Odisha Bans Gutkha, Pan Masala, Tobacco-Nicotine Products Statewide

• Odisha government imposes a complete statewide ban on gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and other tobacco-nicotine products.
• The ban aligns with Supreme Court directives and aims to safeguard public health by prohibiting production, sale, and trade.
• Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahalinga highlighted that tobacco-based gutkha consumption in Odisha is twice the national average, leading to increased oral cancer cases.
• A special squad will be deployed to enforce the ban, and citizens are urged to support a tobacco-free and cancer-free Odisha.
• The government emphasizes the ban's role in building a healthy state and reducing health risks associated with tobacco.

Why It Matters: Odisha has banned all tobacco and nicotine products to protect public health and combat rising cancer cases.