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The Bihar government is contemplating a ban on the sale, consumption of all kinds of gutkha.
State government sources told rediff.com that Chief Minister Rabri Devi has directed the chief secretary to procure the relevant documents and notifications from those states that have already prohibited the manufacture, sale and consumption of gutkha.
Earlier, the Bihar chief minister had expressed her concern over the harmful effect of gutkha on the health of the younger generation.
Asked about the government plans to ban gutkha, Rabri Devi said she had already discussed the matter with officials and would soon hold a meeting to take a decision.
According to a survey conducted by the International Institute for Population, about 33 per cent of the Bihar youth chew gutkha, while 29 per cent of all age categories, including women, use gutkha and tambaku (tobacco).
The survey also reveals that 13 per cent of women use gutkha in the state.
The ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo Prasad Yadav has also reportedly given his green signal for the ban on gutkha last week.
The non-Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan have already imposed a ban on gutkha. Even the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh government led by Mayawati has banned gutkha following an order by the Allahabad high court.
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