📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Election Commission of India
Politics
Karnataka to Revoke Gutka Ban Amid Arecanut Grower Concerns
✍️ hindustantimes.com
🗓 15 Aug 2026, 07:38 AM
👁 5
The Karnataka government announced it will lift its ban on gutka after state legislators highlighted the economic impact on arecanut growers.
The Karnataka government has decided to withdraw its ban on gutka, the smokeless tobacco product, following pressure from legislators who cited financial losses suffered by arecanut growers.
The move comes after several MLAs argued that the ban has adversely affected the livelihoods of farmers who cultivate arecanut, a key ingredient in gutka. They claimed that the prohibition has led to a decline in demand and revenue for the crop.
Government officials said the decision will be implemented after a review of the economic impact on the agricultural sector. They also indicated that measures will be taken to ensure public health concerns are addressed.
The announcement was made in a meeting of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, where the issue was debated by representatives from both ruling and opposition parties.
The move comes after several MLAs argued that the ban has adversely affected the livelihoods of farmers who cultivate arecanut, a key ingredient in gutka. They claimed that the prohibition has led to a decline in demand and revenue for the crop.
Government officials said the decision will be implemented after a review of the economic impact on the agricultural sector. They also indicated that measures will be taken to ensure public health concerns are addressed.
The announcement was made in a meeting of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, where the issue was debated by representatives from both ruling and opposition parties.