Budget 2017: Government mulls tax on junk food and sugary drinks

In July 2014, government increased tax on sugar-sweetened beverages 5%, hoping to curb consumption

A proposal has been made by a group of secretaries on health, sanitation and urban development to tax junk food and sugar-sweetened beverages in the upcoming budget, reported Times of India.

 The 11-member group also suggested that the money collected with tax should go to the health services.

"In our presentation to the PM, we suggested higher taxes on junk food and sugary beverages because consumption of such products is growing fast and fuelling several lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disorders. We have also suggested that revenue earned from such tax be invested in health