Small tobacco players, who had set up shop in Assam following a 10-year excise exemption as part of the special package for the state, are up in arms against withdrawal of the facility with retrospective effect in Budget 2003-04.
As many as 15 job-workers for major cigarette companies and eight gutkha (pan masala with tobacco) manufacturers, are expected to cough up nearly Rs 400 crore that had been refunded to them as part of the concession.
The notification, 32/99 CE, is to be withdrawn for tobacco products with retrospective effect, according to the Finance Bill.