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Health Security Bill: The central government is preparing to take a big step towards curbing products like gutkha and pan masala in the country. If sources are to be believed, the government may bring a new proposed law – Health Security Bill – in Parliament during the winter session, under which there is a plan to impose a special cess on industries to the manufacture and sale of these products.

The name of this proposed cess is being said as “National Security and Public Health Cess”. Through this, the government is trying to achieve dual objectives – on one hand, to prevent serious diseases caused by increasing consumption of tobacco and pan masala and on the other hand, to crack down on the illegal trade to it.

Why is this bill considered important? (Health Security Bill)

According to health experts, products like gutkha and pan masala have become a major cause of fatal diseases like cancer, heart disease and oral disorders. There is already a ban on these in many states, but despite this they are reaching the market through illegal supply chain. Keeping this in view, the government is now considering bringing a strict policy at the central level.

What will be the new rules?

It is being told that under the new cess:

Manufacturers may have to pay heavy taxes

Special monitoring can be done on the purchase of raw materials.

Packaging and branding rules can be made more strict

Heavy fines and license cancellation may be imposed on illegal production.

What will be the impact on the industry?

If this bill is passed by the Parliament then the Gutkha and Pan Masala industry may face a big blow. Increased tax may become a burden for small manufacturers, while big companies may have to rethink their production policy.

What is the purpose of government?

The intention of the government is not only to collect taxes but also to make people aware about health. The government wants to discourage the consumption of these products and keep the youth away from it.

What next?

Now everyone’s eyes are on the winter session, where it will be clear in what form the government presents this bill and how stringent its form will be.