Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Odisha Bans Gutkha and Tobacco Products
The government of Odisha in India has decided to ban the sale, making, storing, and eating of gutkha and all products that contain tobacco or nicotine.
This ban is very strict and covers every step from making the products to selling and eating them.
The government wants to make sure no one can buy, sell, or eat these products in any form.
They are doing this because they want to keep people healthy and follow the rules given by the Supreme Court of India.
Before this, there was a ban in 2013, but it had some problems, and this new ban is meant to fix those issues.
Some people think the ban is good for health, while others think it may cause problems for people who work in the tobacco industry or use these products.
Odisha government has imposed a statewide ban on gutkha and all tobacco and nicotine products, including pan masala, zarda, and khaini.
The ban covers manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, sale, and consumption.
The decision aims to address loopholes in the previous 2013 ban and ensure uniform enforcement across the state.
The ban follows directions from the Supreme Court of India to strictly enforce the ban on gutkha and pan masala.
All food products, whether chewable or not, that are flavored, scented, mixed, or combined with additives and contain tobacco or nicotine are prohibited, except for cigarettes and bidis.
- Who
- Odisha government
- What
- Imposed a total ban on the sale, manufacture, storage, distribution, and consumption of gutkha and all food products containing tobacco and nicotine
- When
- 21st January
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- To address loopholes in the previous 2013 ban, ensure legal clarity, and enable uniform implementation across the state, following directions from the Supreme Court of India
Government and Health Advocates
Tobacco Industry and Some Consumers
Health Impact
Government and Health Advocates
The ban is necessary to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related diseases.
Tobacco Industry and Some Consumers
The ban may lead to loss of livelihoods for those involved in the tobacco industry and may not be practical for consumers who use these products.
- Date
- 21st January
- Issued By
- Health and Family Welfare Department
- Scope
- Statewide
- Products Banned
- Gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and other tobacco and nicotine-containing products
- Previous Ban
- 2013 (sale of gutkha and similar products)
- Exceptions
- Cigarettes and bidis are not included in the ban
