CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel Criticizes Government's Energy Policy

Kathmandu. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has accused the government of taking the wrong path in the development and utilization of the energy sector.

He wrote on Facebook, 'The government, which announced two public holidays in a bid to avoid rising prices and shortages of petroleum products, has now decided to impose VAT on consumers using more than 50 units of electricity.' 'Ultimately, in whose interest is such an unwise decision?'

Mentioning that Nepal is one of the richest nations in the world in terms of water resources, he stated that at a time when domestic energy production and consumption should be encouraged, imposing additional tax burdens on electricity users is a step to discourage the Nepali people from utilizing their own natural resources.

He stated that through the budget, the burden of tax has been imposed in a way that discourages the use of electric vehicles, even though green energy should be promoted at a time of shortage and price hikes of petroleum products.

'If such a decision has been made to show revenue in the name of increasing the budget size, the government must immediately correct its mistake,' he said. 'The government should not break the backs of the people by imposing VAT when electricity sold by itself at a profit is consumed more; instead, it should be encouraged to maximize its use in import substitution and productive sectors.'