Parliament on Thursday (December 4, 2025) cleared a Bill to impose higher excise duty on tobacco and related products after the GST compensation cess ends, with the Rajya Sabha returning the legislation to the Lok Sabha.
During the discussion in the Upper House, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained key provisions of the Bill and addressed members’ queries.
She later moved the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passing.
