Finance Ministry Denies Agreement to Withdraw Electricity VAT
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle's secretariat has rejected media reports claiming an agreement to withdraw the value added tax on electricity tariffs. The ministry clarified that no such meeting or discussion took place, and that ongoing discussions are merely studies on providing consumer relief.
KATHMANDU, Sept 22 — The secretariat of Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has firmly denied media reports alleging an agreement to withdraw the value added tax (VAT) on electricity tariffs.
In an official statement, Wagle's chief personal secretary, Nabin Dhungana, stated that the finance minister held no meeting or discussion on the matter on Sunday evening or at any time last week, contradicting media claims.
Dhungana emphasized that agencies under the Finance Ministry are currently discussing and studying ways to provide relief to consumers and simplify the issue, in line with Wagle's earlier statements in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
The secretariat dismissed reports of an "agreement in principle" to restore the VAT exemption on electricity tariffs as unfounded. Dhungana urged the public to distinguish between the finance minister's stated position and the ongoing discussions and studies being conducted by ministry agencies.
- No meeting or discussion occurred on Sunday evening or last week, per the secretariat.
- The ministry is studying consumer relief measures and simplification of the VAT issue.
- Reports of an "agreement in principle" are not based on facts.
- The public is urged to differentiate between the minister's position and ongoing studies.