MP Gurupasad Baral Demands Increased Tax on Tobacco Products

Kathmandu. Opposition party CPN (UML) MP Gurupasad Baral has demanded that the government increase the tax rate on tobacco products. He mentioned that the number of people suffering from tobacco product consumption in Nepal is increasing and said that the government should increase the tax rate to control it. Speaking in the zero hour of the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, MP Baral mentioned that the tax rate on such products has been significantly increased in India and Bangladesh, and argued that Nepal also needs to increase taxes. Speaking in the meeting, MP Baral said, 'More than 85 lakh people in Nepal are suffering from tobacco products. About 8 lakh young students aged 14 to 24 years studying in schools and colleges are addicted to this. About 39,000 citizens die annually from tobacco products. Looking at international practices to reduce this, it is seen that the tax rate on tobacco products should be increased to control it. The WHO has also requested to control the consumption of tobacco products by increasing taxes. This tax is levied at 58 percent in India and 73 percent in Bangladesh. In Nepal, it is only 40 percent. In that sense, let the tax rate on tobacco products be increased to control it.' MP Baral also clarified that increasing the tax rate to control the consumption of tobacco products would be the most effective step for the government.