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Health experts have sounded the alarm over the government’s recent decision to lower the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on beedis from 28% to 18%, while other tobacco products remain in the highest 40% slab. They warn that reducing the tax on this widely consumed product could increase its use, especially among economically vulnerable groups, worsening India’s already serious tobacco-related health burden. 

Beedis remain the most commonly smoked tobacco product in India, used by around 70–71 million adults, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016–17. Experts emphasize that beedis are no less dangerous than cigarettes—indeed, scientific studies suggest they deliver higher levels of harmful substances. 

Renowned oncologist Dr. Vishal Rao strongly criticized the tax cut, stating that it “effectively subsidizes death for the poor,” by making beedis more affordable to already vulnerable populations. He stressed that applying uniformly high taxes across all tobacco products is essential to discourage usage and protect public health. 

Other health specialists echoed these concerns. Dr. Uma Kumar of AIIMS highlighted that higher taxation reduces affordability and therefore tobacco use. Dr. Jagdish Prasad called the move a setback to years of public health efforts, while Dr. Pragya Shukla detailed the severe health risks from beedi tobacco—including cancers, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease—pointing out that beedis deliver dangerously high levels of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide.