Members share personal struggles to quit tobacco

The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to replace the existing GST compensation cess on cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookah, zarda and scented tobacco with a revised excise structure.

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DMK MP Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy said, “Every parliamentary seat should have a space for support; medications and formulations should be made available. Even a 10-20% reduction can improve quality of life.”

A discussion in the Lok Sabha on a Bill for overhauling tax structure on tobacco products Wednesday saw several MPs talking about their experiences with tobacco use and struggles to quit.

The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to replace the existing GST compensation cess on cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookah, zarda and scented tobacco with a revised excise structure.

During the debate, TMC MP Sougata Roy spoke about his struggles with quitting smoking. “I am trying to quit since people say you will live only for five years,” he said, adding that the “moral question” was whether the government has a role in reducing tobacco consumption.

Jagdambika Pal, who was in the Chair, said, “He can become a brand ambassador to create awareness”. BJP’s Arun Govil recalled that after “Ramayan came into my life”, he gave up tobacco.

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