The Health & Family Welfare Department of Odisha clarified on January 29, 2026, that Pan Masala without tobacco or nicotine does not fall under the prohibition in Notification No. 2065.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S, IAS, addressed the clarification to the Commissioner of CT & GST, Odisha. The letter emphasised that the ban applies only to products containing tobacco or nicotine. Therefore, Pan Masala without these substances continues to remain outside the purview of the restriction.
The clarification provides relief to manufacturers and traders dealing in non-tobacco Pan Masala. It also ensures that consumers who prefer such products will not face disruption in availability. The government’s stance highlights its focus on regulating harmful substances while allowing products that do not pose the same health risks.
The Health & Family Welfare Department also forwarded a copy of the clarification to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department for information. This step underscores the importance of inter-departmental communication in implementing regulatory measures effectively.
The clarification strengthens the government’s position by distinguishing between harmful and non-harmful variants of Pan Masala. It also signals a balanced approach toward public health and commerce. While the prohibition targets products with addictive and harmful ingredients, the exemption for non-tobacco Pan Masala reflects a nuanced regulatory framework.
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