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Politics
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar Lifts One-Year Ban on Gutka and Pan Masala
✍️ Mangalore Today
🗓 14 Aug 2026, 07:36 PM
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Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has reversed the state’s one-year prohibition on gutka and pan masala, citing concerns over the impact on the industry and consumers.
The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn the one-year ban on gutka and pan masala, a decision announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in a press briefing on Tuesday. The prohibition, introduced earlier this year, aimed to curb the consumption of these tobacco products amid rising health concerns.
Shivakumar stated that the ban had led to unintended economic consequences for small traders and vendors who rely on these products for their livelihood. He also noted that the state’s health department had not seen a significant decline in tobacco-related illnesses during the ban period.
The reversal comes after consultations with industry stakeholders and public health experts. The government plans to monitor the impact of the lift and may consider additional measures such as stricter advertising restrictions and public awareness campaigns.
The decision has been welcomed by some business groups but criticized by health advocates who argue that the ban was a necessary step to reduce tobacco use among the population.
Shivakumar stated that the ban had led to unintended economic consequences for small traders and vendors who rely on these products for their livelihood. He also noted that the state’s health department had not seen a significant decline in tobacco-related illnesses during the ban period.
The reversal comes after consultations with industry stakeholders and public health experts. The government plans to monitor the impact of the lift and may consider additional measures such as stricter advertising restrictions and public awareness campaigns.
The decision has been welcomed by some business groups but criticized by health advocates who argue that the ban was a necessary step to reduce tobacco use among the population.