MP Baral urges higher tobacco tax to curb rising addiction
He also claimed that around 39,000 Nepalis die every year due to tobacco-related illnesses, stressing that stronger taxation is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption.
KATHMANDU: Opposition party lawmaker Gurupasad Baral of CPN-UML has urged the government to increase taxes on tobacco products, warning that tobacco addiction is rapidly worsening in Nepal.
Speaking during Tuesday’s House of Representatives meeting, Baral said more than 8.5 million people in Nepal have been affected by tobacco consumption, while nearly 800,000 students and youths aged between 14 and 24 are addicted to tobacco products.
He also claimed that around 39,000 Nepalis die every year due to tobacco-related illnesses, stressing that stronger taxation is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption.
Citing international practices and recommendations from the World Health Organization, Baral noted that countries like India and Bangladesh impose tobacco taxes of 58 percent and 73 percent respectively, compared to only 40 percent in Nepal.
He called on the government to raise tobacco taxes significantly, arguing that higher prices would help discourage tobacco use and protect public health, especially among young people.
