The Central Government is going to take the biggest strictness till date on the Gutkha and Pan Masala industry. After complaints of increasing use of these products, health risks and tax evasion for a long time, the government has now prepared to implement a new and strict financial provision. The government is planning to impose a new tax called ‘National Security and Public Health Cess’, which will not only strengthen control over the manufacturers of these products, but will also raise additional resources for national security and public health missions.

The government is considering the ‘Health Security to National Security Cess Bill 2025’ to be presented in the upcoming winter session of Parliament as an important economic reform to strengthen the health and security infrastructure. Come, let us know big things about it.

1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present this bill in the Lok Sabha. Its purpose is to raise additional funds for national security and health plans.

2. The new cess will be imposed on the machines and production process that make Gutkha-Pan Masala. That means the tax will be decided on the basis of production capacity and not on the quantity of finished product.

3. Whether the goods are made by machine or by hand, it will be mandatory for all manufacturers to pay cess every month. Fixed monthly fee will also be fixed for those producing by hand.

4. After approval in Parliament, the amount collected from this cess will be spent on national security and public health projects. If necessary, the government can also double this cess.

5. There is a provision of jail sentence of up to 5 years for not following the rules. However, companies will be able to appeal from the appellate authorities to the Supreme Court.

6. Every Gutkha-Pan Masala manufacturer will have to compulsorily register. Producing without this will be considered illegal.

7. It will be mandatory for the companies on which this cess will be applicable to file monthly returns. Government officials will be able to investigate and audit.

8If any machine or production process remains closed for more than 15 days, then exemption in cess can be given for that period,

9. This bill is being considered as the biggest step of the government towards cracking down on tobacco and pan masala industry and increasing government revenue.

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US President Donald Trump has decided to impose 25% tariffs on imported cars starting from April 2. European Commission Chairman Ursula von Der Leyen has expressed deep concern and regret over this decision. According to him, this step is harmful for trade and consumers not only for Europe, but also for the US and the European Union (EU).

European Commission statement

Ursula von Der Leyen said, “The automotive industry is the main pillar of innovation, competition and quality jobs.” He further explained that the effect of this new tariff will have a bad effect not only on business but also consumers. Von Der Leyen also said that the European Union will evaluate this decision of the United States and will continue the process of dialogue for the solution.

Trump’s decision and its influence

US President Trump has signed an executive order about 25% tariff, which will be effective from April 2. He says that this step is being taken to protect the US industry, especially on imported cars from countries that do not produce in the US. Trump commented at the Oval Office, saying, “We will take tariffs from countries that take our jobs and property.” He said that these tariffs will apply only to cars that are not built in the United States. The cars that will be made in America, there will be no tariff on them.

America’s new mutual tariff system

The purpose of this new tariff is to increase duty on imported cars from countries which are not assembled in the US. This tariff will be applicable to half of cars and trucks sold in the US. Trump has promoted it as ‘Mukti Day’, when these tariffs will be effective. This step can further increase the growing trade dispute between the US and Europe.