Jose k Joseph/
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Despite the state government ban on sale of gutkha in 2013, the tobacco product is on sale in every street corner kiosk in the capital city.
Gutkha manufacturers distribute the product to wholesale dealers operating through gutkha hubs in Koraput, Boudh, Balasore and Sambalpur districts. Gutkha reaches Orissa from manufacturing units in West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Worse still, it is reported that some gutkha units have sprung up in the interiors of the state. A popular gutkha brand which is produced somewhere in Berhampur (with registration No. AAHFG2208FXM001) and circulated publicly defying all official norms.
When contacted, directorate of public health nodal officer Bikash Patnaik informed this paper the department has conducted raids and informed police about gutkha being smuggled into the state.
“Our food safety officers have recently conducted raids near schools and colleges across the state. We informed the police about gutkha being imported from other states. The food safety commissioner has instructed the officials to take action against sale and distribution of gutkha,” said Patnaik.
Stringent action by all concerned departments can resolve this health deterrent which is affecting the lives of millions.
“Since it is not a FSSAI licensed number, I will inform the health officials of Berhampur and food safety commissioner regarding the manufacture of gutkha in Ganjam district,” Patnaik added.
Interestingly, the gutkha sachets also display maximum retail price (MRP) including a tax of Re 1. However, many vendors sell the product for Rs 3. Some of them told Orissa Post that they were selling it at higher price because of the risk involved in the business. Some of them also said the wholesale dealer also pays bribes to officials for doing gutkha business.
Legal experts informed Orissa POST MRP display inclusive of tax on a banned product is misleading as it will give the impression that the government gets tax through the sale of the contraband.
“When the government banned gutkha in 2013, the health and police officials initially raided kiosks and seized the products. Now, we do not see any threat. We sell the product at a higher price because the product comes to us with difficulty. The officials demand big bribes as they are also aware of the huge market demand,” said Jajati Keshari, a gutka dealer in the city.
Leading oncologists including Dr. Krupasindhu Panda have cited the use of gutkha as major cause of oral cancer cases in the state.
“Products like gutkha are toxic and their use can lead to cancer. We conducted awareness camps in schools and colleges, but the authorities failed to stop sale of these banned products,” said Dr Panda of HCG Panda Cancer Centre in Cuttack.
According to official sources, the state has 38 food safety officers and their number is inadequate to arrest the spread of gutkha network and more staff are needed to implement the ban properly.
