Members across parties flagged the heavy health and economic cost of tobacco. Some MPs, however, expressed concerns about the impact on growers and workers. The Bill significantly increases duty rates, with taxes on cigarettes rising to between Rs 2,700 and Rs 11,000 per thousand sticks. The Bill also prescribes higher excise duties for manufactured tobacco products. For instance, the duty on chewing tobacco will increase from 25% to 100%. Duty on hookah will increase from 25% to 40%. For smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes, the duty is proposed to be increased from 60% to 325%. Supporters said the move will help curb consumption, while critics called for a wider plan to protect those dependent on the tobacco sector.

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