Get this guys

There are lot of common man items which is consumed by them which should be reduced to reduce the burden on the already burdened common man.Looks like the meetings attended by the state finance ministers if they were connected with the ground realities with the common man they will realise what is the issue with common man. It would be good if public who are the actual consumers can in some form also participate than these group of ministers whose functioning is not to the extent desired by the common people.If they have a website where one can also address items which need to be looked into would be good and govt can easily tell by looking at the items as to who is the consumer of it and how to reduce tax on these items and it does not need GOM to tell them .Looks like the FM has left it in the hands of GOM than giving directions on the mass consumption items.Either they do not want to do or playing a safe game or waiting for PM or some other minister to tell like the gst on insurance.One one hand govt is giving so many schemes for people who do not have it and on the other hand GST team was miling the cash cow and especially to sr citizens since now is the time they need health and medical insurance the most not when they are in service .It does not Nitin gadkari minister to tell if only out GST council have understood the common person ailments our GOm would not have been in this state more  

I say lay your taxes on tobacco, liquour which millions of Indians are consuming day by day and on gutka which is being sold illegally although it is banned. Spare the common man for bread, rice, wheat, milk, tea and coffee and other grains which are essentials for every day but the government wants only money, money and money! more  

in addition to cigarettes govt should also think of liquor of increasing taxes.Common man items and exam fees and other items like beverages coffee/tea and other items which a common man drinks should be nil and only the premium category items and also healthy foods should be given tax relief so that people consume it and junk food needs to be taxed and also edible oils need to be rationalised and reduced. more  

Smoke free work places, strong labeling and media publicity are some of the ways to reduce smoking. In the US this has helped decrease smoking as opposed to price increase. more  

There are several historical examples where increasing taxes on "sin" products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks has led to reduced consumption and, in some cases, a decrease in addiction-related behaviors. Here are a few notable examples: 1. Tobacco Taxation United States Federal and State Tobacco Taxes: The U.S. has implemented numerous tobacco tax increases at both federal and state levels over the years, and research shows these taxes have had a direct impact on reducing smoking rates, particularly among youth and lower-income individuals. The 1990s and the "Master Settlement Agreement": In 1998, the U.S. tobacco industry agreed to a massive legal settlement with 46 states, which included significant tax increases on cigarettes. Along with anti-smoking campaigns funded by the settlement, these measures contributed to a sharp decline in smoking rates. Results: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the adult smoking rate in the U.S. dropped from 42% in 1965 to about 14% in 2023. This decrease is partly attributed to tax increases on tobacco, which made cigarettes less affordable and less accessible. Youth Smoking: Higher taxes on cigarettes are especially effective at reducing smoking among younger populations. A study by the American Cancer Society found that a 10% increase in cigarette taxes leads to a 3-5% reduction in the number of youth smokers. Australia Tobacco Tax Increases (2010–2016): Australia implemented a series of large tobacco tax increases, starting in 2010, with a plan to gradually increase tobacco taxes by 12.5% each year. These taxes, coupled with strong anti-smoking campaigns, public smoking bans, and plain packaging laws, helped reduce smoking rates in the country. Results: According to a study published in The Lancet, the tobacco tax increases were a major factor in Australia’s significant drop in smoking rates, from around 24% in 2010 to 14% in 2021. This represents a reduction of 10 percentage points over a decade, and much of the decline occurred among lower-income smokers who were most sensitive to price increases. Additional Impact: Studies found that higher taxes led to fewer smoking-related deaths, fewer children taking up smoking, and a marked reduction in the frequency of smoking. 2. Alcohol Taxation Norway and Other Scandinavian Countries High Alcohol Taxes in Norway: Norway has long had some of the highest alcohol taxes in the world. These high taxes, combined with strict alcohol regulations and limited alcohol availability (alcohol is sold in state-run stores with limited hours), have been effective in reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. Results: A report from the Norwegian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research found that these high taxes are associated with lower alcohol consumption rates compared to neighboring countries with lower taxes, like Sweden and Finland. Additionally, alcohol-related health problems such as liver disease and alcohol addiction are less prevalent in Norway compared to other countries with lower taxes. Cross-Border Effects: Some evidence suggests that high taxes lead to some cross-border shopping for cheaper alcohol in nearby countries. However, despite this, the overall reduction in alcohol consumption and related harms has been evident. Ireland Alcohol Tax Increases (2000s and 2010s): Ireland has also raised taxes on alcohol several times in the past two decades, particularly in an effort to address binge drinking and alcohol abuse. Results: Studies have shown that higher alcohol prices through taxation can reduce binge drinking, especially among younger populations. According to the Irish Department of Health, increases in alcohol excise duties have contributed to a decrease in alcohol consumption per capita, particularly in younger demographics. Binge Drinking: A 2015 study found that each 10% increase in the price of alcohol resulted in a 5-7% reduction in binge drinking among young adults. Furthermore, the Irish government has invested revenue from alcohol taxes into addiction treatment and public health campaigns, which further helped reduce alcohol-related harm. 3. Sugary Drinks Taxes Mexico Sugary Drink Tax (2014): In 2014, Mexico implemented a 1-peso per liter tax on sugary beverages in an effort to combat rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which are linked to sugary drink consumption. Mexico has one of the highest rates of soda consumption in the world. Results: According to a study published in The Lancet, the sugary drink tax led to a 7.6% reduction in sugary drink consumption in the first year, and a further 10.2% reduction by the second year. The overall impact on public health is still being evaluated, but early signs suggest it has helped reduce the consumption of highly caloric, sugary beverages. Further Impacts: The tax raised significant revenue, which could be reinvested into public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity and related diseases. Studies have shown that the tax was particularly effective in low-income households, where sugary drink consumption is often higher. United Kingdom Sugar Tax on Soft Drinks (2018): The UK introduced a sugar tax on sugary soft drinks in 2018, aimed at reducing sugar consumption and encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content. Results: Following the introduction of the tax, many companies reduced the sugar content in their drinks to avoid the higher tax rate. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the sugar tax led to a 28% reduction in the sugar content of soft drinks and a 10% reduction in sugary drink consumption across the population. Health Effects: While the immediate effects on public health were harder to measure, the reduction in sugary drink consumption is expected to have long-term benefits, including a decline in obesity rates and related chronic diseases. 4. Gambling Taxes Australia (Pokies Tax) Tax on Gambling Machines (Pokies): Australia has applied a range of taxes and regulations to gambling, particularly on poker machines ("pokies"). Many states have implemented higher taxes on pokies, and some have introduced mandatory pre-commitment systems (requiring gamblers to set limits before playing). Results: There is evidence that higher taxes on pokies have led to a reduction in gambling spending in certain states. For instance, after the introduction of the "point-of-consumption tax" on gambling in New South Wales, there was a decrease in gambling revenue, particularly from problem gamblers. Long-Term Effects: Research has shown that these measures have contributed to a decrease in gambling addiction, as they make gambling less accessible and less affordable for some people. Conclusion: In each of these examples, increasing taxes on products that carry significant health or social risks has led to reductions in consumption, which, in turn, has had a positive impact on public health. For tobacco and alcohol, the reduction in addiction and smoking-related diseases has been particularly evident. In the case of sugary drinks, there is promising evidence that taxes can lead to a decline in consumption, which could help reduce obesity rates in the long term. These tax strategies are most effective when combined with public education campaigns, stricter regulations, and health interventions. However, it’s important for governments to carefully balance the tax rate to avoid negative economic impacts, such as pushing consumers toward illegal markets or overburdening low-income populations. When done correctly, though, sin taxes can be a powerful tool to reduce addiction and improve public health outcomes. more