In a strong critique of a proposed new tax, RJD Member of Parliament from Buxar, Sudhakar Singh, has called for a complete prohibition on gutka and pan masala, arguing that merely imposing a cess on these products is ineffective and misleading. The MP raised the issue in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, targeting the draft "Health Safety to National Security Cess Bill, 2025."
MP Questions Motive Behind 'National Security' Cess
Singh challenged the fundamental premise of the bill, which seeks to levy an additional tax on products like tobacco and pan masala to create a public health and national security fund. The stated goal is to deter consumption, especially among minors, by raising prices. However, the MP posed a pointed question to the government: "Will people’s health really improve by imposing a cess on gutka and pan masala?"
He expressed skepticism about the inclusion of "national security" in the bill's title, suggesting it might be a tactic to obscure the true nature of the revenue collected. Singh alleged that this terminology appears designed to hide financial details from public scrutiny, indicating that the primary driver behind the legislation is revenue generation, not genuine health protection.
Demand for a Ban, Not a Tax
Singh argued that if the government's concern for public welfare is sincere, a different approach is required. "Merely increasing taxes will not work," he stated. Instead, he pressed for a more drastic measure: a comprehensive ban on the production and sale of these harmful substances. According to his analysis, the proposed cess is simply a new method of extracting money from citizens under the guise of a health initiative, without addressing the root of the problem.
The MP emphasized that the long-term social and financial costs of consuming these products far outweigh any short-term revenue benefits from taxing them. He warned that the bill could inadvertently "adversely affect social and financial hygiene" by normalizing consumption through taxation rather than eradication.
Calls for Transparency and Scrutiny
In light of his concerns, Sudhakar Singh has demanded that the proposed bill be referred to a select committee for thorough examination. He stressed that public interest and transparency must remain the top priorities in any legislative process, especially one that impacts public health and involves significant public funds.
This intervention highlights the ongoing debate in India about balancing public health objectives with fiscal policy, particularly concerning so-called 'sin goods.' The MP's stance underscores a growing demand for more assertive action against tobacco and related products, moving beyond taxation to outright prohibition.
