Pan masala production stopped in Uttar Pradesh, more than 60 teams deployed for 24-hour surveillance : Pan masala industry in Uttar Pradesh is in a bad shape. The state government has taken a big step, due to which the production of pan masala has almost stopped. More than 60 teams have been deployed to conduct 24-hour shift-based surveillance outside masala units in various cities of the state like Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Mirzapur and many other districts. 54 teams are monitoring masala production and supply in front of masala production centers in Lucknow and Kanpur.
Mandatory e-way bill scanning issued
As a result, on the one hand the production has stopped, on the other hand the flow of fake and tax evading spices has increased. Every day, tax evaded goods worth about Rs 20 crore are coming from neighboring states to the northern states. The state government has issued mandatory e-way bill scanning for vehicles of masala manufacturing units.
Strict action on violation of rules
Apart from this, officers have been deployed on 12-hour shift duty outside each unit and have been ordered to wear 'body-worn cameras'. Strict action has also been taken against officers violating the rules.
Masala production completely stopped
Meanwhile, due to this strict monitoring, the production of bean masala has almost completely stopped. Some brands of spices, brands, such as 'Pukar', 'Shimla', 'Gomti' and 'Kamla' are under surveillance. Some traders are planning to set up new production units outside, such as in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi areas.
Concern raised among central officials
Moreover, this move of the state government has raised concerns among the officials of the Central GST department, as there is 28% GST and 60% cess on pan masala, which is collected entirely through Central GST. Although the government has invoked some flexibility on traders as a result of this move, these strict controls are affecting the supply flow, and counterfeit products are proliferating in the market.