The Odisha government has banned the manufacture, packaging, distribution and sale of tobacco-related products, including beedis, gutkha, tobacco and cigarettes, across the state in a major move aimed at tackling the rising incidence of cancer.
The decision was notified through a gazette issued by the state Health Department on January 22, 2026.
Tobacco products banned
The ban covers a wide range of tobacco and nicotine products, including:
- Gutkha, paan masala, zarda and khaini
- All flavoured, scented or additive-based chewing products
- Both packaged and unpackaged tobacco items
- Products sold in separate packets intended to be used together
- Any food product containing tobacco or nicotine, irrespective of its name
The restriction applies to all oral tobacco products, regardless of the form in which they are manufactured, stocked, sold or consumed.
Reason for the ban
According to the Health Department, the move was prompted by the sharp rise in cancer cases in Odisha, largely linked to the consumption of tobacco products. Officials said the use of these items significantly increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, kidneys, lungs and other organs in the state.
The government said the ban is aimed at protecting public health and reducing the long-term burden of tobacco-related diseases.