The Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Friday despite objections by several opposition members, who wanted it referred to the select committee of Parliament, citing it aimed to raise funds through cess on demerit or sin goods such as pan masala.

Responding to the discussion on the Bill, which had begun on Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government wanted to ensure that goods in the demerit category were not cheap.

She said as the Finance Minister, it was also her responsibility to generate revenue. The reply was in response to questions by members on why pan masala should be taxed for the defence budget.

"No member would want a lower tax on pan masala. Money can be used for anything, but collecting revenue is just

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