In a move to safeguard public health, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has extended the ban on the manufacture and sale of tobacco products, including gutkha and paan masala, in Delhi for an additional year. This decision, as reported by PTI, underscores the urgent need to curb the harmful impact of these products, particularly on children and young individuals.
Saxena’s decision to prolong the ban stems from his concern about the rising influence of tobacco products on the younger generation. Recognizing the potential long-term health risks associated with these products, he believes that stringent measures are necessary to prevent further harm. The Lieutenant Governor has emphasized that the ban needs to be enforced rigorously, leaving no room for a lackadaisical approach to its implementation.
To carry out this extension, the Food Safety Department of the Delhi government will soon release an official notification. The decision comes after obtaining the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, indicating the collaborative efforts of various administrative bodies to address this pressing issue.
The ban encompasses a comprehensive range of products, including tobacco in various forms like flavored, scented, or mixed with addictive substances, which are marketed as gutkha, paan masala, and flavored/scented tobacco. This prohibition covers manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of such products, aligning with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s regulations under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
The decision to extend the ban draws authority from Article 239AA (4) of the Constitution of India, which grants special provisions with respect to Delhi. This legal basis empowers the Lieutenant Governor to take measures that prioritize public health and well-being, especially in light of the escalating instances of oral cancer cases in the capital.
It’s worth noting that the Delhi High Court, earlier this year in April, had already upheld a ban imposed by the food safety commissioner on the manufacture, storage, and sale of gutkha, paan masala, flavored tobacco, and related products within the national capital. This legal validation reinforces the seriousness of the health concerns posed by these products.
The extension of the ban on tobacco products in Delhi underscores a collective commitment to public health. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena’s proactive stance, supported by legal and regulatory frameworks, aims to protect the well-being of the population, especially the younger generation, and curb the escalating health risks associated with tobacco consumption.