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Karnataka Health Minister denies gutka ban withdrawal
Karnataka Health Minister U. T. Khader has clarified that the state government has not withdrawn its ban on gutka and pan masala products containing nicotine. Addressing rumors of a rollback, Khader stated that the prohibition is specifically aimed at nicotine-laced products in the interest of public health and does not constitute a ban on arecanut.
The Minister addressed concerns from arecanut growers regarding potential price drops, asserting that the decision should not negatively impact farmers and could potentially lead to an increase in arecanut prices. He noted that manufacturers of gutka often source arecanut from countries like Nepal and Bangladesh rather than India.
Additionally, the Health Minister issued warnings to food outlet franchisees regarding hygiene and food quality following recent inspections. He indicated that health department raids would continue, potentially extending to hostels and catering services, to ensure public health standards are maintained.
Entities
Basavaraj Bommai · Bharatiya Janata Party · D. K. Shivakumar · Karnataka · Karnataka Government · Koppal · U. T. Khader
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Karnataka government is considering the withdrawal of its ban on gutka and tobacco-based pan masala. munsifdaily.com · www.mangalorean.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reports of the ban triggered panic buying and shortages in the Koppal district. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gutka packets previously priced at ₹25 have reportedly reached ₹100 on the black market due to the ban. newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lawmakers from both the BJP and Congress expressed concerns that the ban would negatively impact arecanut farmers in seven to eight districts. munsifdaily.com · www.mangalorean.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has directed officials to withdraw the gutka ban order. munsifdaily.com · www.mangalorean.com