Saving people from disease better than shielding industry

Should the govt policy benefit a few manufacturers through protection from imports or a large number of people via easier access to cheaper devices that help reduce chances of contracting diseases?

Towards the end of last month, the commerce ministry banned the import of mosquito killer rackets priced less than Rs 121 per racket (cost, insurance, and freight value). It is a debatable decision that raises important policy issues.

Under the Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised System) of import and export items, the classification 85167920 covers ‘electrical and electronic devices for repelling insects (for example, mosquitoes or other similar kind of insects)’.  The residual entry at 85167990 covers items not specified elsewhere under the heading 8516 that includes ‘other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes’.

The basic customs duty