VISAKHAPATNAM: Even under the blanket ban, the consumption of chewing tobacco products gutka and khaini has doubled in the north coastal Andhra districts. According to sources, their business in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts has crossed `25 crore which was around `12 crore to `15 crore before the government imposed a ban. Due to the lack of poor enforcement and the lack of stringent action against offenders, the business has turned profitable in the region.
Following the court’s direction, the state government has banned tobacco products in January, 2013. The Union and the state governments jointly initiated a massive awareness campaign on the ill-effects of tobacco consumption.
The government has made some short films with help of tobacco victims and made it mandatory for all cinema theatres to screen them. However, the government has done nothing to implement the ban in the state. An order passed by the government asked the police, transport, commercial tax and other departments to take active part in implementing the ban in the state.
No Budget for FSSAI
In the states, a senior IAS officer leads the FSSAI in the capacity of commissioner. However, the department lacks budget support, vehicles or manpower to implement the orders in the state. In Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts, there are a total number of nine food inspectors but due to lack of funds they are unable to implement the ban.
Poor Legislation
There is no provision in the law to register criminal cases and send the offenders behind the bars. The officials can seize the products and impose fine on the offenders. “We are registering cases and imposing fine on them. From January, 2013, we have registered about 50 cases. However, as there are no provisions to take criminal action on the offenders, the illegal business is continuing. How can we visit each and every pan shop?” said a senior food inspector in the region.
Imports from Odisha
Though there are strict security agencies scanning the parcels in the trains and buses coming from Odisha, offenders are bringing the products in small quantities. Earlier, the products was transported in vans, lorries and even in the parcel offices. However, the offenders are bringing it in the cars, RTC buses and some trains to the city. Surprisingly, the products are also coming to Vizag from East Godavari district. Agents are reportedly recruiting young boys to sell the stuff.
“Earlier, there are only four to five companies only. Now, there are 12 varieties of gutka and other products. The agents have assured us that there will be no cases as they are fulfilling all ‘formalities’ at all levels,” an owner of a pan shop told Express.
What Cops Say
Police say that they are already over-burdened with several duties. “Why does everyone look at the police? The government should strengthen the department first and ask them to implement the ban orders,” said a senior police official.