Lucknow: A day after an MLA was caught on camera spitting pan masala on the carpet of the UP assembly during the proceedings of the budget session, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana on Wednesday announced a ban on gutkha and pan masala within the Assembly premises.
The directive also includes employees, officials and other individuals. Mahana said he knew who did it and did not name the lawmaker to avoid public humiliation.
Mahana said, "With immediate effect, the consumption of pan masala and gutkha is prohibited inside the Assembly premises."
1,000 Rs Fine On Gutkha Consumption
He further said, "Anyone, including employees, officials or any other individuals, found consuming gutkha or pan masala within the Assembly premises will be fined Rs 1,000. Necessary action will be taken in accordance with the rules."
Speaker Oversees Cleaning
On receiving the information yesterday, the speaker himself visited the spot and oversaw the cleaning. Mahana was accompanied by Minister of State for Employment and Labour Mannu Kori and MLAs Ajay Singh (Karnailganj) and Dhirendra Singh (Jewar)
Higher Budget For 2025-2026
Meanwhile, earlier last month finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented a Rs 8.08 trillion Budget for the financial year 2025-26, which is 9.8% higher than last year.