Assam tables legislation banning guthka, zarda, pan masala

GUWAHATI: Assam government on Tuesday tabled a legislation prohibiting manufacture, advertisement, trade, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of zarda, Gutkha, panmasala containing tobacco in Assam.

The bill Assam health (prohibition of manufacturing, advertisement, trade, storage, distribution sale and consumption of Zarda, Gurkha, panmasala etc containing tobacco) bill 2013 was presented in the state assembly by health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The government has reasoned prime aim of the proposed legislation is improve public health and prevent incidence of cancer and other health hazards and addiction among the people of the state.

Implementation of the bill will result in financial loss of Rs 20 Crore annually to the state exchequer. Health minister said that this is first of its kind legislation in the county.