Uttarakhand bans sale of gutkha, paan masala, tobacco products for one year: Uttarakhand CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the state government has imposed a one-year ban on the sale of gutkha, paan masala and tobacco products, stressing the need to curb addiction and protect the younger generation.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the state government has imposed a one-year ban on the sale of gutkha, paan masala and tobacco products, stressing the need to curb addiction and protect the younger generation. Explaining the decision, Dhami said the matter is reviewed every year and the adverse effects of narcotic substances necessitate steps to restrict their use.

He said, "This is reviewed every year, and after the review, the conclusion that emerges is that all these things need to be stopped. The adverse effects of narcotic substances are evident to all of us, and there should be a curb on them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has a clear goal and resolve to prevent the country's new generation from going astray due to addiction. If the new generation veers in the wrong direction, it will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the nation's future. Uttarakhand is the land of the gods, and we are advancing this effort at every level." On the administrative measures discussed during a high-level meeting with officials, Dhami said the government would focus on restoring normalcy after the monsoon, addressing road damage and resolving public grievances through greater field-level engagement.

"In Uttarakhand, the post-monsoon period brings about various challenges; roads get damaged, and daily life is disrupted... We must get our administrative machinery back on track. Initiatives like 'Jan Chaupal' and 'Tehsil Diwas' need to be launched. BDC (Block Development Council) meeting rosters must be prepared and meetings held. 'Ratri Chaupal' should be organized. Officials need to remain in the field, taking immediate cognizance of minor issues and resolving them... Youth should be given opportunities to progress. In border areas—an effort we are currently undertaking—the government is engaging directly with the public to communicate Cabinet decisions and other important policy matters... We discussed all these matters," said Dhami. Regarding the upcoming Assembly session, the Chief Minister said the government was prepared to respond to issues raised by the Opposition, while calling on it to raise substantive matters.

He asserted, "Whatever issues the opposition raises, if they are valid, a constructive response will be provided. The opposition ought to bring forward substantive issues; as for claims that lack any basis in truth and are merely misleading—the government remains prepared to respond to whatever is raised." Dhami also highlighted progress in the state's medical education infrastructure, stating that three medical colleges had become operational and that an order had been received regarding the allocation of seats at the Rudrapur medical college for the 2027-28 academic session.

"Over these years, three of our medical colleges have already become operational—specifically those in Pithoragarh and Almora. Regarding Rudrapur, an order has been received today from the Health Minister allocating seats for the 2027-28 session. I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Health Minister," Dhami added. (ANI)