Karnataka Gutka Ban Row Deepens As Health Minister U T Khader Refuses To Withdraw Order Despite CM Shivakumar’s Directive

Bengaluru: The ongoing controversy surrounding the banning of Gutka and Pan Masala has escalated, with Health Minister U T Khader adamantly refusing to retract the government's notification from August 12, despite Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's urging. The latter had called for the withdrawal of the notification following a meeting of legislators from various parties, who appealed for its repeal in the interest of arecanut growers.

Upon demanding an explanation from the Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar rebuked the Health officials and demanded the withdrawal of the notification.

In a subsequent interview with reporters in Mangaluru, where he attended the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony, Khader maintained that Gutka is the most hazardous substance, claiming that it is causing significant harm to the population, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Arguing that arecanut does not determine the pricing of Gutka and Pan Masala, Khader emphasized that the tobacco products use arecanut imported from Nepal and Bangladesh for production.

Once the ban is implemented, the import of cheap arecanut from these countries will be halted, thus benefiting local growers.

Additionally, Khader highlighted that while arecanut is used in minute quantities in the preparation of Gutka and Pan Masala, the crop is predominantly utilized in industries for making natural dyes, paints, and cosmetics. He warned that Gutka manufacturers should not attempt to justify their actions by claiming that arecanut is a key ingredient. Khader asserted that the government will not withdraw the notification and urged the public to wait for three months to witness the outcomes of the ban.