Question : CESS FROM BEEDI WORKERS

(a) the details of cess on the manufactured beedis and the cess collected during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the cess so collected has been in deficit for a few years now;

(c) if so, the reasons for the deficit, taking into consideration that this cess is the only source of finance of the welfare schemes for the beedi workers in the country; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government for reducing the deficit gap and hence improve the welfare measures of the beedi workers?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)

(a): The rate of cess is Rs. 5 per thousand manufactured beedis. The cess collected during the last three years and the current year is as under:

Year	Cess (Rs. in Crores)

2009-10	168.23

2010-11	162.7

2011-12	163

2012-13	0