KATHMANDU, Nov 17: Industrialists and entrepreneurs on Sunday criticized the government for imposing heavy taxes in the name of collecting hefty revenues.

Speaking a function organized to mark the 8th National Tax Day, the speakers including Vice Chairperson of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Shekhar Golcha, Chairman of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said that the government is collecting heavy taxes from the private sector thereby putting burden on them.

"The industrialists and entrepreneurs have not been able to meet their basic expenditures due to heavy taxes imposed on them," Golcha said. He also criticized the government for making the PAN card mandatory for all wage earners.

"It has severely affected businesses of small entrepreneurs," he said.

However, he vowed to support the government in its bid to expand the base of the taxes. "We are ready to support the government in its campaign of achieving economic goals," Golcha said.

NCC Chairman Shrestha urged the government to give relief to the industrialists and entrepreneurs by exempting unnecessary taxes on them.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the private sector although currently industrialists and entrepreneurs are facing some challenges due to tax in the new federal set-up. He said that the government has introduced a new tax system to make the industrialists and entrepreneurs more responsible. 

 
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