Tobacco and all other substances like Gutkha, Pan Masala et al are continued to be banned in Bihar. Sanjay Kumar, the Commissioner of Bihar, has recently issued a notification saying that these substances are injurious to the health of a common man and hence the ban would be resumed under Food Safety Act 2006. The Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Act prohibit productions, storage, sell and purchase of all tobacco substances. All tobacco products were banned last year in the state for the duration of one year which was due to complete on 29 May. But before completion of the time limit, the state extended it for one more year. By banning tobacco last year, Bihar has followed the suit of Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
Meanwhile, the UN’s World Health Organisation has found in its recent survey that one of every ten students is being offered free cigarette by tobacco companies in South-East Asian region. It also advocated a comprehensive ban on such substances to reduce its demand.