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Podcast: γ¬γ’γΈγ§γθ±δΌθ©± Daily News Article Podcast
Episode: Will hiking tobacco tax in India cause people to quit smoking?
Description: Cigarette smoking is part of daily life in New Delhi. Smokers standing outside tobacco vendors are a common sight.
The Finance Ministry has begun imposing a higher rate of tax starting February 1, ranging from 2,050 rupees ($22) to 8,500 rupees ($92) per thousand cigarettes, depending on their size. The new tax is applied in addition to the existing 40% Goods and Services Tax.
Rajeev Malhotra, a cigarette and betel leaf seller in the heart of the capital city, says while the increase in cigarette prices is likely to impact sales, βpeople who want to consume nicotine will always find a way to.β
According to the Worl...