Chhattisgarh bans gutka, poly bags

RAIPUR: Alarmed by increasing cases of oral cancer, the Chhattisgarh government on Tuesday banned the production and sale of gutka (tobacco-based paan masala) in the state. It also banned the use of polythene bags.
CM Raman Singh, a doctor himself, said: "When I practised medicine, I witnessed many cases of mouth cancer due to gutka consumption. The experience of treating the patients was horrifying."
Pointing out that even students and women have taken to gutka, he said: "The addiction puts them at a great risk of cancer.Gutka worth nearly Rs 10 crore is sold in the state every month. Though the government would lose revenue, we decided to go ahead with the ban in larger public interest."