New Delhi, Dec. 6 -- The proposed cess on pan masala is being levied with the objectives of strengthening national security initiatives such as the Mission Sudarshan Chakra (India's own Iron Dome-like shield), and supporting public health initiatives through the states, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha before the House passed the bill on Friday. Speaking about the specific objective of collecting revenue through the cess, she said, "Part of this will be spent on public health, and the other part will go for defence-related purposes." She said imposing the cess on pan masala has become necessary as total tax incidence on it will fall substantially after the GST compensation cess is phased out, making the sin go...