Haphazard taxation

The Himalayan Times

23 August 2018

Haphazard taxation

The government at the centre led by K.P Oli has completed its six months tenure with not much satisfying performances. People seem unhappy with the way the central government is running the country. Likewise, the performances of the local and provincial governments have been questioned by the local people raising the concern about the purpose of the federalism. This does not indicate the good start of the new political structure. However, the country has moved forward with the federal structure which should be gradually strengthened by winning the hearts of the people rather than undermining their voices and concerns by flexing political muscle based on the numerical numbers of lawmakers in all level of parliaments.

The haphazard collection of taxes on consumable and non-consumable items by the local and provincial governments has been the talk of the town and widely criticized by all walks of life. Main opposition has been raising their concerns about the imposition of taxes “Haphazard tax collection must be stopped” (August 21, Page 3). However, the ruling party MPs seem to be not deterred by this double and triple taxation as if they were not being affected by the current inflated market prices.

Some political analysts have even opined that this haphazard taxation at the local and provincial level have started creating negative feelings among the common people about the concept of the federalism which need be tackled carefully by the Centre. Time has come to design a proper taxation system considering the federal structure of the governance.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj