Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Odisha's Ban Leaves Bidi, Gundi, Gudakhu Unchecked
The Odisha government recently banned some tobacco products, but others like bidi, gundi, and gudakhu are still being made and sold.
These products are very addictive and can cause serious health problems.
The ban has made the illegal tobacco trade even more profitable, with some producers making six times their investment.
The government is struggling to stop this because the production units are not registered, and the products are sold secretly in local markets.
Doctors say these products are just as harmful as the banned ones and can cause cancer and other diseases.
The unchecked production is happening in several districts, and the products are being sold in weekly markets and roadside shops.
Odisha's ban on pan masala, gutkha, khaini leaves bidi, gundi, gudakhu unchecked.
Production and sale of these products continue unabated, especially in rural areas.
The informal tobacco trade has become more lucrative, with profits six times the cost of production.
Most producers operate without registration, evading scrutiny by health authorities.
Medical experts warn that these products are highly addictive and cause serious health complications.
- Who
- Odisha government, tobacco producers, traders, medical experts
- What
- Ban on pan masala, gutkha, khaini, but not bidi, gundi, gudakhu
- When
- Recent ban, ongoing production and sale
- Where
- Rural pockets of Odisha, especially Jajpur, Ganjam, Malkangiri
- Why
- To curb cancer and other tobacco-related diseases, but loopholes exist
- Products
- Bidi, gundi, gudakhu
- Profit Margin
- 6 times the cost of production
- Investment Return
- Rs 600 from Rs 100 investment
- Health Impact
- Addiction, cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disorders
- Affected Districts
- Jajpur, Ganjam, Malkangiri