Karnataka Pan Masala Gutka Ban: CM DK Shivakumar Warns of Strict Crackdown Over Narcotics Risk

By Bangalore Mail Political Bureau

BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday issued a stern warning to tobacco manufacturers, stating that the Karnataka government will not hesitate to impose a complete ban on pan masala and gutka brands if they are found to contain narcotic or intoxicating substances.

Speaking at the 31st Foundation Day celebrations of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Conclave in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government has received concerning intelligence regarding the adulteration of chewing tobacco products.

“I have received credible information that even daily-use products like pan masala and gutka are now being laced with substances that cause severe intoxication,” Shivakumar said. “Let me be very clear: if any manufacturer is found adding even a minute quantity of any illegal intoxicating substance to these products, I will make every possible effort to implement a total pan masala and gutka ban across Karnataka.”

Youth at Risk: A Call to Action

Expressing deep concern over the rising trend of drug abuse among the younger generation, the Chief Minister described the drug menace as one of the single biggest challenges threatening contemporary society.

Invoking the famous words of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru—”Today’s children will build the India of tomorrow”—Shivakumar emphasized that safeguarding the state’s youth from the traps of addiction is vital to securing the nation’s future.

The Chief Minister made an impassioned plea to the medical community, urging healthcare professionals, medical students, and institutions to act as frontline ambassadors in the state’s anti-drug campaigns. He assured that the Karnataka government is prepared to extend total policy and administrative backing to transform Karnataka into a drug-free state.

Tightening the Noose on Narcotics

State authorities have been instructed to strictly monitor manufacturing units and distribution networks to check for adulteration. The government plans to launch aggressive anti-drug drives, particularly around educational institutions, schools, and colleges, to shield students from illicit substances masquerading as consumer goods.

Shivakumar closed his address by reminding the student audience that discipline is core to social change, urging them to remain committed to the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) movement.