The proposed cess on pan masala is being levied with the twin objectives to strengthen national security initiatives such as the Mission Sudarshan Chakra, and to support public health drives through the states, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha before the House passed the bill on Friday.

The proposed cess on is being levied with the twin objectives of strengthening national security initiatives such as the Mission Sudarshan Chakra (India’s own Iron Dome like shield), and supporting public health initiatives through the states, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha before the House passed the bill on Friday.

Speaking about the specific objective of collecting revenue through the cess, she said, “Part of this will be spent on public heal

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