Madhesh Province Finance Minister Urges Review of Border Customs and Market Management Policies

Janakpurdham. Madhesh Province Finance Minister Mahesh Prasad Yadav has drawn the serious attention of the government regarding the difficulties faced by border residents due to the current customs regulations on imports from India.

In a statement released on Monday, Minister Yadav noted that the stringent policies at the border have disrupted daily movement and the transport of essential goods. According to him, this has not only made life difficult for border residents but is also beginning to affect the long-standing social and cultural ties between Nepal and India.

'Such arrangements have created discomfort not only in economic activities but also in the 'Beti-Roti' relationship between the two countries,' the statement said. Finance Minister Yadav has urged the Government of Nepal to conduct a realistic study of the current situation and adopt citizen-friendly, practical, and balanced policies. He emphasized that policy decisions should be made with the sensitivities of border residents at the center.

Meanwhile, he also drew attention to the impact of road and sidewalk management initiatives in various parts of Madhesh Province on small and low-income business owners.

He noted that recent actions taken in the name of market management, without providing alternative arrangements, have directly affected the livelihoods of small business owners. 'There is an increased risk that such actions, taken without clear alternatives, will further complicate the economic situation of small entrepreneurs,' Yadav stated.

He demanded that while road management is necessary, a concrete plan for the rehabilitation of affected business owners must be implemented. Finance Minister Yadav has urged the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and relevant agencies to coordinate, engage in dialogue, and seek long-term solutions for both issues.