NGO demands ban on sale of 'Goa Gutkha' in Goa

Panaji, Feb 27 (UNI) Taking strong exception to the sale of the carcinogenic tobacco product ''gutkha'' under the brand name of ''Goa'', a non-governmental organisation today urged the state government to ban the sale of ''Goa Gutkha'' and initiate action against its Maharashtra-based manufacturer.

An Utt Goenkara delegation, led by its convernor Amol Navelkar, submitted a memorandum in this regard to Chief Secretary J P Singh at the Porvorim Secretariat Complex. Mr Singh assured the delegation of appropriate action.

The delegation also presented few samples of ''Goa Gutkha'' being manufactured by Thane-based Raj Group of Companies and sold openly in this tourist state.

Utt Goenkara spokesperson Mr Rodrigues told the Chief Secretary that the Company, with its plants in Delhi, Silvasa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, has tarnished the image of the state by naming the brand after Goa in violation of the Indian Patents and Copyrights Act.

The ''Goa Gutkha'' is largely consumed across the country especially in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat and smuggled illegally into Goa to meet the demands of migrant labourers.

UNI BM GR/MAZ MSJ KN1641