Patna (Bihar): Following up on his decision of making Bihar an alcohol-free state, the Nitish Kumar government today imposed a ban on the distribution, storage, manufacture, publicity or the sale of any type of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine in the state in phases.
An order to this effect was issued by the government on Friday. The new rule provides officials the mandate to conduct raids and inspections and take necessary action against those flouting the guidelines.
According to government officials, the ban will remain effective for the next one year on edible items having tobacco content, both packaged and unpackaged. The initiative is aimed at preventing the deterioration of public health, officials said.
On the other hand, the ban is expected to hamper small businessmen and vendors involved in the trade.
Nitish Kumar has repeatedly asserted the positive impact on people after ban of liquor in the state in the long run.
Gujarat, Nagaland and parts of Manipur; as well as in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep are the states of India in which alcohol is prohibited completely.
The ban on both foreign and domestic liquor came into effect from April 5 this year.
The decision to ban sale and consumption of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in municipal and town council areas was taken at a cabinet meeting, the chief minister told reporters.
