Bihar: Government planning to ban 'khaini', tobacco-form everyone's addicted to
The Bihar government is planning to put a blanket ban on sale and purchase of khaini (a processed tobacco product). In the state, liquor was banned two years ago. Taking steps towards the proposed plan, the state government has already written to Centre asking to notify khaini as a food product. Upon notification, the state government can ban the product on health grounds.
Khaini and Bihar: Every fifth person is addicted
Khaini is consumed by every fifth person in Bihar, claimed state's Principal Secretary (Health), Sanjay Kumar. While there are regulations of consumption of tobacco in other forms like cigarettes, chewing it raw is unfortunately ignored. "We have rules that govern tobacco use in the form of cigarettes, but consumption of khaini is a grey area that needs attention," he explained.
Once khaini becomes food product, putting ban will be easier
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) declaring khaini as a food product will make the government's path easier. As per FSSAI Act, any product that has nicotine or tobacco in it can be banned. Though Kumar claimed consumption of tobacco dipped from 53% to 25% in the last seven years, the consumption of khaini still poses a concern.
Just a reminder: Tobacco in all forms is hazardous
Whether you are addicted to smoking or chewing raw tobacco, you are ruining your health. Tobacco is the major cause of oral cancer. It is also associated with cancer of respiratory tract, lung, upper gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and kidney. Consuming tobacco during pregnancy can lead to bleeding and even miscarriage or premature delivery. It's really never too late or early to quit.
