Call to repeal taxes on drinking water consumer committees in Sudurpaschim

Dhangadhi: The Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers Federation of Nepal, Sudurpaschim Province, has demanded the repeal of taxes and electricity tariffs imposed on drinking water and sanitation consumer committees.

The federation submitted a memorandum on Monday to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Sudurpaschim Province, as well as the Chief District Officer of Kailali, calling for reinstatement of the previous tax and electricity tariff exemptions. The organization expressed strong objection to the removal of tax exemptions for these committees and the imposition of taxes on what it described as a fundamental right—access to drinking water.

Ratna Kadayat, Chairperson of the Federation, emphasized that since drinking water is enshrined as a fundamental right in the constitution, entities facilitating its access should not be burdened with taxation. “Drinking water is a basic right,” she said. “The organizations ensuring access to this right, which are non-profit in nature, should be exempt from such taxes.”

Kadayat also highlighted that many rural areas in Sudurpaschim still face challenges in accessing clean drinking water. She noted that outside of limited accessible locations, numerous citizens remain deprived of this essential service. The federation, she added, is actively working to improve access in underserved areas.

Among those present during the memorandum reading program were Bishnu Prasad Khanal, Central Member of the Federation; Net Prasad Khanal, Acting Chair of Kailali District; Rekha Deuba, Kailali Secretary; Municipal Chair Lokendra Dhami; and others.

The memorandum was submitted to chief ministers and chief district officers across all seven provinces, including the Far West, as part of a coordinated national campaign.