D K Shivakumar Warns of Ban on Narcotic Laced Pan Masala and Gutka in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday warned that the state government would take stringent action against manufacturers found mixing narcotic or intoxicating substances into pan masala and gutka , saying such products could be banned in the state if laboratory tests confirmed adulteration. The warning came as the government intensified its broader campaign to build a drug free Karnataka .

Speaking at the 31st Foundation Day celebrations of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and the Nasha Mukta Bharat Conclave in Bengaluru, Shivakumar urged students, doctors and healthcare professionals to become ambassadors of the state's anti drug movement and help combat substance abuse.

"I have received information that even products like pan masala and gutka are now being mixed with substances that cause intoxication. If anyone is found adding even a small quantity of any intoxicating substance to these products, I will make every effort to ban them in Karnataka," the Chief Minister said.

He clarified that the government would crack down on manufacturers responsible for such adulteration and reiterated that public health would remain the state's top priority. No formal notification banning these products has been issued so far, with the Chief Minister's remarks serving as a warning that action would follow if violations are established.

Describing the drug menace as one of the biggest challenges facing society, Shivakumar expressed concern over the growing number of young people falling prey to addiction. He appealed to students to actively participate in the anti drug campaign by educating others and steering them away from substance abuse.

"Our goal is to build a drug free Karnataka," he said, adding that the government had already launched several initiatives to curb drug abuse and would strictly enforce anti drug measures across the state, particularly in educational institutions.

Highlighting Karnataka's contribution to medical education, Shivakumar said the state is home to the country's largest health sciences university, producing 13,940 medical graduates annually through more than 70 medical colleges with over four lakh students . He also announced that RGUHS would soon shift to its new campus in Bengaluru South district.

The Chief Minister said doctors trained in Karnataka were serving with distinction across the world and noted that Bengaluru had emerged as one of India's leading healthcare destinations because of its advanced medical infrastructure, pleasant climate and rich cultural heritage.

He also urged students attending the conclave to remain disciplined and listen to the speeches of constitutional authorities, saying discipline was essential for becoming effective ambassadors of the Nasha Mukta Bharat campaign.

Invoking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's words, "The children of today will make the India of tomorrow," Shivakumar said protecting the younger generation from drugs was crucial to securing the nation's future. He assured full support from the Karnataka government in achieving the vision of a drug free state.