What are the potential impacts of the proposed hike in GST on items like cigarettes and tobacco on public health in India
Explore the implications of increasing GST on products known to have negative effects on public health and patterns of consumption.
- Increased prices due to higher GST on cigarettes and tobacco products can discourage consumption among the public, leading to a potential decline in the prevalence of smoking.
- This can result in positive health outcomes, as reduced consumption of tobacco products can lower the incidence of smoking-related diseases such as cancer, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Higher GST on cigarettes may also act as a deterrent for young individuals from initiating smoking, ultimately reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases in the future.
- Additionally, increased tax revenue from higher GST on such products can be used to fund public health programs and awareness campaigns to further discourage tobacco use.
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5 months ago