NDA says Bill seeking excise duty on tobacco a health safeguard; hurts poor, breaks GST spirit: Oppn
GST
Dated:- 4-12-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Members of the ruling NDA on Thursday said in the Rajya Sabha that the bill seeking to levy excise duty on tobacco products is aimed at safeguarding public health and not earning revenue, and further claimed that the interests of tobacco farmers will be taken care of.
Opposition parties, however, opposed the Bill, saying it not only undermines the GST foundational promise of one nation, one tax but also disproportionately affects the poorest and the most vulnerable sections of society.
Supporting the Bill, TDP MP Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha said by keeping tobacco expensive, the g
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DA, said the Bill will benefit the people of the country.
“Government health expenditure as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13 per cent in 2014-15 to 1.84 per cent in 2021-22,” TMC (M) MP G K Vasan said, highlighting the deteriorating impact of the use of tobacco on public health.
Vasan said the Bill does not impose any new tax and what was earlier collected under cess will be collected under the central excise tax.
Seconding Vasan's views, another BJP MP Dr Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade said once a person gets addicted to tobacco, he or she not only becomes a patient but also economic, mental and social burden on the family.
He stated that the Bill is a strong effort to stop the vicious cycle of use of tobacco, which causes several type
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it is a slow poison,” Maurya said, appreciating PM Modi for envisaging the bill.
BJP MP from Goa Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanvade called the Bill an economically prudent and socially responsible initiative while according to Mahendra Bhatt, BJP Uttarakhand MP, it is a decisive step in the direction of welfare of the state.
Opposition party NCP-SCP opposed the Bill saying it undermines the GST foundational promise of one nation, one tax.
NCP-SCP MP Dr Fauzia Khan said, “This will leave manufacturers dealing with two tax audits, two valuation regimes, doubling the filings and the risk of all excise disputes. The Bill and its explanation do not clarify whether the dual systems will coordinate or share data, nor do they address the audit comp
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