The Lok Sabha on Friday cleared the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, opening the door for the Centre to levy a special cess on pan masala manufacturing units. The revenue raised from this levy will be channelled into bolstering national security initiatives and improving public health systems. During the Parliament Winter Session's debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the cess will be shared with the states, noting that public health falls within the state government’s domain. The bill, first introduced on December 1, 2025, allows the Centre to levy a cess not only on pan masala but also on any additional products that may be notified later.