Gujarat extends gutkha, tobacco pan masala ban for another year till September 2027 | Ahmedabad News
GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government has extended its ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for another year, citing concerns over their health impact, including the risk of oral cancer.The fresh ban will come into effect from September 13, 2026, and remain in force until September 12, 2027, according to a notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, news agency ANI reported.The ban has been in place in Gujarat since 2012, the notification said.According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), research conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and ‘HAMER’ has found that consumption of gutkha and pan masala is carcinogenic and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.The CMO also cited findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), according to which 35% of adults in the country consume tobacco, while 21% were found to use smokeless tobacco.
What does Gujarat’s gutkha ban cover?
The prohibition applies to gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, irrespective of the name under which they are sold.It will also cover ingredients that are sold separately but can be mixed to prepare gutkha or pan masala as the final product.The government warned that strict legal action would be taken against those violating the order.The state has continued enforcing the ban since 2012, and the latest extension was issued in view of concerns over public health and representations received from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Gujarat pushes high-tech investment alongside tobacco ban
The extension comes as the Gujarat government continues to project the state as a destination for high-tech industries and sustainable development.Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027 – Curtain Raiser, chief minister Bhupendra Patel invited investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from India and abroad to establish operations in the state.The 11th edition of the summit will be held on January 10, 11 and 12, 2027, under the theme ‘Viksit Gujarat: Shaping Global Future’.Patel said the state’s industrial planning was focused on sectors expected to drive long-term economic growth.“Today, we are not only asking which industry will come next. We are asking which sectors will shape the economy of the next 20 years, and with that vision, we are organising Vibrant Gujarat 2027,” Patel said.“In accordance with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Modi ji, we are moving forward with the aim of making Gujarat a leader in soft power, with a special focus on emerging sectors and green growth,” he added.
Gujarat targets semiconductor, data centre growth
Patel highlighted Gujarat’s growing role in high-technology manufacturing, saying six of the 12 semiconductor plants approved across India are located in the state and three of them are already operational.He also highlighted Dholera as India’s first smart industrial city offering plug-and-play facilities and described GIFT City as a key driver of financial technology and global finance.“Through GIFT City, connect with new opportunities in global finance and fintech, and connect your future with the talent of Gujarat’s youth,” Patel said.“To attract new industries and investments, we have announced both sector-specific and holistic industrial policies. Our data centre policy is unique in the country, and we are committed to promoting hyperscale data centres in Gujarat,” he added.He also referred to dedicated policy frameworks for semiconductors, IT/ITeS, green hydrogen, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and shipbuilding and repair.(With agency inputs)
