T he Lok Sabha on Friday (December 5, 2025) is expected to take up the ‘Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025,’ for further consideration and passing. The Bill proposes to levy cess on “machines installed, or other processes undertaken in the manufacture of pan masala” to fund India’s ‘health and national security’.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, moving the proposed Bill in the Lower House On Thursday (December 4, said the cess will not be levied on essential commodities, and the proceeds will be shared with States under specific health schemes. Introduced as a money Bill, it need only be passed by the Lok Sabha. Also read | Parliament Winter session Day 4 highlights

On Day 4, the Parliament approved a Bill to levy a higher excise duty on tobacco and related pr

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