New Delhi: A debate in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday over a bill aimed at overhauling the tax structure on tobacco products saw several MPs making candid disclosures about their own struggles with tobacco use, while calling for stronger action to curb consumption.

The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to replace the current GST compensation cess on cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookah, zarda and scented tobacco with a revised excise framework.

What did MPs reveal about their own tobacco use?

During the discussion, TMC MP Sougata Roy openly admitted to battling smoking.

“I have been a smoker myself and I am trying to quit the habit because people say you will live only for five years,” he said. He added that the “moral question” was whether the government had any role in reducing tobacco consumption.

Responding in a light-hearted manner, Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, remarked: “He can become a brand ambassador to create awareness.”

BJP MP Arun Govil, while backing the bill, recalled how he overcame his own addiction.

“I stand here in support of this bill because I have been tobacco-free for 50 years. Before Ramayan, I used to be a chain smoker. I chewed gutka all day. The day Ramayan came into my life, I gave it all up, and since then I have been tobacco-free,” he said.

DMK MP Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy spoke forcefully about the health consequences of tobacco use.

“Each and every parliamentary constituency should have a space where quitting support can be initiated; medications and formulations should be made available. Even a 10–20 percent reduction can improve quality of life,” he said.

His remarks sparked brief banter in the House. TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu commented, “Kalanidhi spoke very emotionally… he is a doctor and explained all the ill effects of smoking, but he still smokes 40 cigarettes a day. That is the problem we have in this country.”

The Chair intervened, asking, “Is it necessary to disclose on the floor of the House?”

What changes does the bill propose?

At present, tobacco products attract 28 percent GST along with a variable cess. The proposed regime introduces a new excise structure under which:

  • Unmanufactured tobacco would face an excise duty of 60–70 percent
  • Cigars and cheroots would be taxed at 25 percent or Rs 5,000 per 1,000 sticks, whichever is higher
  • Cigarettes up to 65 mm without filters would be charged Rs 2,700 per 1,000 sticks
  • Cigarettes up to 70 mm would attract Rs 4,500 per 1,000 sticks

What is the aim of the overhaul?

The government maintains that the revised tax structure is intended to discourage tobacco consumption while ensuring a more predictable revenue framework.

The debate reflected both serious concern and occasional humour, as MPs used their personal experiences to highlight the urgency of addressing tobacco addiction across the country.

PTI inputs