Consumers Demand Tax Exemption on Water Tariffs

Kathmandu. Stakeholders have demanded that the government not levy tax on the tariffs collected by drinking water consumer committees. Representatives of the National Small Urban Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumer Federation, at a general assembly held in Babarmahal, Kathmandu on Friday, demanded tax exemption in the budget to be presented on Jestha 15.

Khemraj Oli, Chairman of the National Small Urban Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumer Federation, stated that the 25 percent tax levied by the government on drinking water tariffs should be exempted. He said, 'Tax exemption should be given on the tariffs collected by non-profit consumer committees for drinking water maintenance.'

Stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's policy of providing tax exemption in the budget of Jestha 2081 and reimposing tax in the budget of 2082. During the seventh general assembly of the federation, representatives requested Sushant Vaidya, a Member of Parliament present as the chief guest, to take initiative with the government regarding this matter.

National Assembly member Jagat Timshina said that the government should provide tax exemption on drinking water tariffs in the budget to be presented on Jestha 15. He said, 'Tax exemption should be given on drinking water tariffs.' Timshina is also a member of the National Assembly's Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee.