Following EC’s instructions, tax rate in Gandaki raised once more

POKHARA: The Gandaki state government has increased the tax rate by more than 328 percent since the beginning of the current year. There was widespread criticism and opposition. Before the elections, after receiving indications that the increase in taxes would not attract votes, the government backed away from its own decision and decided to maintain the increased taxes at the same level as the previous year.

Taxes were reduced in the state with effect from Oct 18. But after the Election Commission asked for an explanation saying that the decision to reduce the tax before the election was wrong, the government has started collecting the increased tax again. The commission asked for an explanation about the decision to reduce the tax for the first time on Oct 21 and for the second time on Wednesday.

According to the letter of explanation, the tax rate has been reduced according to the Chief Minister’s Office. The office said that the information that the government has canceled the tax reduction decision will be sent to the Commission.