Odisha Bans Gutkha, Pan Masala, Tobacco Products Statewide for Public Health

• Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the production, sale, storage, and trade of all tobacco products, including gutkha, pan masala, zarda, and khaini.
• The decision aims to protect public health, especially children and youth, from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
• Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that tobacco consumption in Odisha is double the national average, leading to a significant rise in oral cancer cases.
• Special squads will be deployed to strictly enforce the ban in public places, with action against violators.
• Citizens are urged to cooperate in building a 'healthy and tobacco-free Odisha' and shopkeepers instructed to remove banned items.

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