Darbhanga: Gutkha and pan masala products are freely available across the town despite the civic body's diktat that vendors and shopkeepers selling tobacco and tobacco based-chewables (gutkha) must register with the Darbhanga Municipal Corporation (DMC).

This was proposed by the DMC late last year after the recommendations of the health ministry to reduce tobacco abuse.

Shopkeepers sell gutkha and other tobacco products freely with candies, cold drinks and other grocery items.

"We heard that the Darbhanga Municipal Corporation made announcements about obtaining licence for selling gutkha and other tobacco products but nobody till date has come to check the licence. I run a shop near the railway station and most of the customers who come to buy gutkha or cigarette also ask for chips or cold drinks," said Vijay, a shopkeeper on Station Road.

He added: "I cannot afford to keep only tobacco products. Customers always look for nearby shops that sell chocolates, biscuits and cold drinks along with gutkha and cigarettes."

Residents lamented that the DMC is ignorant about its own decisions and that tobacco products are available everywhere.

"The gutkha and cigarettes are easily available in almost all grocery stores across the city and the shopkeepers sell it uninhibited," said Pashupati Singh, a resident.

"The DMC is least concerned about executing its own orders," he added.

Despite repeated attempts by The Telegraph, the municipal commissioner of Darbhanga Municipal Corporation could not be contacted.