New Delhi : In a big move, ‘The Health Security Se National Security Cess Bill, 2025’ was passed in the Lok Sabha today. The Bill, as stated by FM Sitharaman in the Lower House, proposes to levy a cess on production of goods such as pan masala and any other goods that may be notified by the central government. Proceeds from the cess will further be used for expenditure towards public health and national security.

In a discussion earlier, she added, "A cess is being imposed because the GST system taxes consumption, and even today, pan masala is taxed under GST at 28 per cent plus compensation cess. Since the compensation cess is going to end, that portion will shift into a 40 per cent cess. However, many types of pan masala still do not fall under the tax net because GST is applied on the

See Full Page