Bhubaneswar, January 23, 2026
In a major step to curb tobacco-related health issues, the Odisha government has announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and storage of all chewable tobacco and nicotine-containing products, marking a significant tobacco ban in Odisha.
The ban specifically targets gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, zarda, khaini, and other similar smokeless products, whether packaged or sold loose. Even food items containing tobacco or nicotine have been included in the prohibition. However, cigarettes, bidis, and other smoking tobacco products are not included in this ban, as they are regulated under separate national laws.
The state government’s notification explained that the widespread use of smokeless tobacco with food products endangers public health and is especially harmful for children and young adults, citing classifications by the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer that link these products to addiction and various cancers.
The state first imposed restrictions on gutkha and similar products in 2013. Authorities said loopholes in enforcement had allowed sales to continue in some areas. The 2026 notification strengthens enforcement, standardises rules across districts, and clarifies ambiguities in earlier bans, making the tobacco ban in Odisha more effective. District drug inspectors and health officials will oversee compliance, with violations subject to penalties under existing laws.
Odisha has also been promoting tobacco-free awareness campaigns and has declared several “tobacco-free villages” in recent years. Despite these measures, tobacco and related products have historically contributed significantly to state revenue, generating over ₹6,500 crore in tax collections over the past decade.
Public health experts have welcomed the move, calling it a critical step toward reducing tobacco-related diseases. Some observers caution about potential black-market sales and emphasise the importance of education and robust enforcement to ensure the ban’s effectiveness.
This decision positions Odisha among the states taking the strictest action against smokeless tobacco products, sending a strong message about the government’s commitment to public health and prevention of tobacco-related illnesses.
