Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Health and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday for discussion and approval.
The Bill is designed to raise funds for national security and public health. It proposes a special tax on certain machines and processes used in the manufacturing of specified goods, with the revenue used to support these sectors and related activities.
Delhi Air Pollution – Congress MP calls for urgent action
Congress MP Vijaykumar has submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to highlight the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and large parts of North India.
He urged the government to treat Delhi’s air pollution as a national public health emergency. He also called for the restoration of all air monitoring stations, strict action against polluters, and the launch of a science-based national clean air plan. He warned that any delay in action puts people’s health at risk and stressed that Parliament must respond immediately.
Parliament day 4: List of business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
During the Winter Session of Parliament, several reports are expected to be presented by Members of Parliament (MPs) in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha today. The ones to be presented in Lok Sabha are as follows:
- MPs Jugal Kishore and Sanjay Jaiswal will present the Seventh Report of the Committee on Estimates (2025-26) on the implementation of: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (Free Electricity Scheme). These relate to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- MPs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and Ashok Kumar Rawat will present reports on the Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- MPs Basavraj Bommai and GM Harish Balayogi will present reports on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development.
List of Business in Rajya Sabha:
- MPs Brij Lal and Harsh Vardhan Shringla will present reports on the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice.
Lok Sabha passes Bill to raise excise duty on tobacco products
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill to increase excise duty on tobacco products and their production after a detailed discussion.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, updates excise duties on tobacco items following the end of the GST compensation cess. The Finance Minister clarified that this is not a new tax or a cess being imposed, but it is simply the continuation of the excise duty that existed before GST.
She explained that the money collected through this excise duty will go into the divisible pool and be shared with the States, with 41% of the revenue redistributed to them. The clarification was aimed at addressing concerns that the levy might be considered a new cess.