The three-tier structure of excise duty on cigarettes introduced in 2017 has not only led to a significant increase in the consumption of cigarettes but also resulted in substantial revenue loss of Rs 42.5 billion in 2017-18. Therefore, the price-tier-based structure of FED should be abolished, and a single, high, uniform tax be applied to all types of cigarettes, which would not only help curb tobacco use in the country but would also contribute in generating more revenues that can be used for promoting public health.Read more