On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Health Security se National Security Cess (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 to amend the Health Security se National Security Cess Rules, 2026. The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
All you need to know about the revision in Rule 35 relating to “Utilization of Cess” of the Health Security se National Security Cess Rules, 2026:
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The provision relating to transfer of cess by the Department of Revenue quarterly, to the Health Security se National Security Cess Fund has been removed.
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The identification of the activities, schemes and programmes and the inter-se allocation of the cess, including any interest or penalty, for the designated purpose will now be decided only by the Department of Expenditure.
Earlier, the Budget Division used to decide the same in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.
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The transfer of the amount to the Health Security se National Security Cess Fund, the debit of the Fund, and the maintenance of the ledger of the Fund will be as per the accounting procedure formulated by the Office of the Chief Controller of Accounts (Finance).
Earlier, the task was performed by the Principal Chief Controller of Accounts, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, and as approved by the Comptroller and Accountant General of India.
[Health Security se National Security Cess (Second Amendment) Rules 2026: Key Changes to Fund Utilisation & Allocation, dt. 20 May 2026]
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