FM Sitharaman tables new Bill to replace GST compensation cess
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will replace GST Compensation Cess. The tax is currently levied on all tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, and zarda. She also introduced the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, which seeks to levy cess on production of certain goods.