BRS welcomes Health and National Securities Bill, seeks protection for 7 lakh beedi workers

BRS MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra welcomed the Health and National Securities Bill-2025, supporting cess revenue sharing with States. He raised concern over the impact on beedi workers, called for alternative livelihoods, and urged better health services and vigilance against tobacco hazards

Hyderabad: BRS Parliamentary Party Deputy Leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra on Monday welcomed the Health and National Securities Bill-2025, calling the proposal to share revenue from increased cess on tobacco products with States a positive step. He said the BRS extended its support for the bill.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Ravichandra cautioned that the cess hike could hurt beedi workers, especially nearly 7 lakh workers who were mostly poor and women in rural areas of Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts. He urged the Centre to provide alternative livelihoods, including a Rs 1.5 lakh grant per worker, jobs in food processing units, skill development, and support for those shifting to agriculture.

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The BRS MP also raised alarm over rising cases of mouth and throat cancer caused by gutka, pan masala and other tobacco products, especially among beedi workers who comprise around 16 of every 100 patients admitted to Hyderabad’s MNJ Hospital, which is higher than the national average. He warned the numbers could reach alarming levels by 2030.

He sought more de-addiction centres, regular screening, free health services, and stronger publicity on the dangers of tobacco. He also called for stricter vigilance as tobacco products continue to flood tea stalls and pan shops under misleading labels.