Anti-Tobacco Forum welcomes higher GST on cigarettes, opposes lower levy on beedis
Mysuru: The Anti-Tobacco Forum (ATF), Mysuru, has supported the Centre’s move to raise Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cigarettes, cigars, and nicotine-based substitutes from 28 per cent to 40 per cent, but voiced concern over the reduction of GST on beedis from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, as reported by The Hindu.
ATF convenor Vasanthkumar Mysoremath said the higher taxation on cigarettes and related products was a positive step, but termed the relief granted to beedis as “uncalled for.” He noted that some countries impose taxes as high as 100 per cent to curb tobacco consumption and urged the government to align its tax policy with the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
“Uniformly high taxation across all tobacco products would act as a deterrent, making addiction economically unviable,” Mysoremath said, warning that tobacco use is linked to rising cases of non-communicable diseases among youth.
Citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), which states that of the estimated 274.9 million users, 163.7 million use smokeless tobacco, 68.9 million smoke tobacco, and 42.3 million use both, he stated that more than 35% of Indian people use tobacco in some form.
The forum has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision on beedis and adopt stronger fiscal measures to reduce overall tobacco consumption.
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Tarique Rahman sworn in as new Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Dhaka (PTI): Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, days after leading his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad instead of Bangabhaban, in a departure from a long-standing tradition.
Earlier in the day, Rahman was elected as leader of the parliamentary party by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party lawmakers.
Rahman's BNP has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats in the 13th Parliamentary elections. Deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was barred from contesting polls.
