FM Nirmala Sitharaman Tables New Health Security Cess Bill in Lok Sabha Today
Winter Session Day 4: FM tables National Health Security Cess Bill in Lok Sabha amid smooth proceedings.
The Winter Session of Parliament entered its fourth day with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moving the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. The legislation proposes amendments to the Central Excise Act, 1944, targeting “sin goods” such as cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, chewing tobacco, zarda, and scented tobacco. Sitharaman emphasized that the amendments are crucial to maintain fiscal space and protect government revenue following the scheduled end of the GST compensation cess on tobacco products.
The amendments are intended to ensure continuity in tax incidence and strengthen revenue collection. The Bill seeks to enhance excise duties on tobacco-related items, providing the government with the tools to safeguard public finances while aligning with health objectives. Sitharaman noted that these measures are necessary to balance fiscal responsibility with policy goals in the wake of changing tax regimes.
In parallel, the Law Commission briefed the parliamentary joint committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, which proposes enabling simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The Commission clarified that the Bill does not require ratification by at least 50 per cent of state legislatures. It falls within Parliament’s legislative powers, does not disturb the Constitution’s basic structure, and respects federal principles while enhancing governance efficiency.
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Committee work remained a central focus on the fourth day. MPs Jugal Kishore and Sanjay Jaiswal presented the Seventh Report of the Committee on Estimates, reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Reports from the Standing Committees on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Labour, Textile, and Skill Development were presented by MPs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Ashok Kumar Rawat, Basavraj Bommai, and GM Harish Balayogi, highlighting ongoing oversight of key government schemes.
In the Rajya Sabha, MPs Brij Lal and Harsh Vardhan Shringla presented reports from the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, underlining the importance of legislative scrutiny in strengthening governance and accountability across ministries.
Discussions also addressed disruptions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which had dominated the session in previous days. Both Houses have now agreed to conduct proceedings smoothly following the government’s consent to discuss the pan-India SIR exercise, ensuring continuity in parliamentary business while addressing critical electoral reforms.
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