UML MP Thebe opposes taxes on education, health ride-sharing income
Thebe argued that although Nepal’s Constitution ensures education and health as basic rights, recent budget provisions introducing additional charges in these sectors go against that spirit.
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML lawmaker Kshitiz Thebe has criticized the government for imposing additional taxes on the education and health sectors, saying it places an extra financial burden on citizens and undermines their constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights.
Speaking during Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Thebe argued that although Nepal’s Constitution ensures education and health as basic rights, recent budget provisions introducing additional charges in these sectors go against that spirit.
He expressed concern over the introduction of an “equity fee” in education, warning that it could limit access to knowledge and make quality education less affordable for students. According to him, such measures risk indirectly restricting citizens’ right to education.
The lawmaker further accused the government of pushing citizens toward a situation where they are burdened with taxes “from birth to death,” claiming that such fiscal policies increase economic pressure on ordinary people.
Thebe also raised objections to the proposed 6 percent tax on ride-sharing services, stating that it could negatively impact the income of self-employed individuals and young people engaged in the digital economy.
He urged the government to reconsider policies that, in his view, could discourage entrepreneurship and restrict access to essential public services.
