Though regulation of a demerit good such as tobacco is recognised, the state’s stake in the tobacco market coupled with the labour that still depends on it for livelihood makes such a regulation a murky business.
The tax hikes on smoking tobacco in 2014 appear large in the aggregate, but have little effect on the price of single cigarette sticks, a popular mode of retail in India. Analysing the seemingly large tax hikes on smoking tobacco, it is argued that taxes can and must go higher to ensure substantial increases in single cigarette stick prices.
The legality and propriety of the retrospective withdrawal of excise duty exemption for cigarettes and pan masala manufactured in the north-east. A critical examination.
In recent years, cigarette manufacturers have targeted their products at those in the impressionable age group, those more vulnerable to peer pressures. Breaking the addiction to tobacco with its heinous health repercussions requires a concerted effort of the government, but the community, health care initiatives, NGOs and youth forums.
