Aizawl:
The Mizoram government today hiked the rate of tax on cigarettes from 13.5 per cent to 20 per cent.
Taxation Minister Lalsawta told PTI that the decision was made and the official notification would be issued by evening.
Lalsawta said that though the increase was not at par with the 65 per cent in Rajasthan it was at par with some neighbouring north eastern states.
Dr Jane R. Ralte, head of the Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society hailed the decision and was optimistic that the move would help in reduction of tobacco consumption in the state which was the highest not only in India but also in the whole world.
Incidentally, the theme of the World No Tobacco Day to be observed tomorrow is 'Raise Taxes on tobacco'.