On January 22, 2026, the Odisha government has taken a big decision regarding tobacco and pan masala. Now all substances including beedi, cigarette, gutkha, tobacco, khaini and zarda have been banned in Odisha. Their production, packaging, distribution and sale has also been banned in the state. The state health department has issued a notification and implemented the new rules.

What is the list of banned tobacco products?

• Gutkha, Pan Masala, Zarda, Khaini.
• All flavored, scented, or chewable products with additives.
• Tobacco products, both packaged and unpackaged.
• Products sold in separate packets that are used together.
• Any food product containing tobacco or nicotine, no matter what the name.

This ban is applicable to all oral tobacco products. In whatever form they are being manufactured, sold, stocked or used.

Why have these products been banned?

The Health Department has said that consumption of Zarda, Khaini, Gutkha and tobacco products are the biggest causes of cancer. Apart from this, products like pan masala, betel nut, betel nut, smoke leaves etc. are also harmful for health.

• These products are very dangerous for health.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer and WHO have described them as cancer causing.
• The risk of cancer of mouth, throat, stomach, kidney, lungs etc. increases significantly.
• More than 42% of adults in Odisha use smokeless tobacco, which is almost double the national average.
• Especially children and youth are greatly affected by this. These become habits and spoil oral health.

Resolve to make Odisha tobacco free

This decision has been taken as per the instructions of the Supreme Court and the rules of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Health and Family Welfare Department has issued notification of restrictions. An official said, ‘This ban covers all oral tobacco products and is strengthened by the decisions of the Supreme Court, which will bring more strictness in the law.’

The government has appealed to the people to follow this rule and help in creating a tobacco-free Odisha. This is a huge step towards preventing cancer and other diseases in the state.