Health experts alarmed by GST cut on beedis, demand uniform taxation
Published on: Sept. 7, 2025, 11:16 a.m. | Source: The Economic Times
Health experts have criticised the governments move to cut GST on beedis from 28% to 18% while keeping other tobacco products at 40%. They warned cheaper beedis, widely used by poor communities, could worsen Indias tobacco burden. Doctors stressed beedis are as harmful as cigarettes, urging uniform high taxes to curb use, protect vulnerable groups, and reduce health costs.
