Lawmakers urge 100 percent tax hike on tobacco products in upcoming budget

Kathmandu: Citing that more than 39,000 citizens die prematurely each year due to tobacco use, lawmakers have urged the government to increase taxes on tobacco products by 100 percent through the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

They noted that tobacco products in Nepal are currently taxed at only 40 percent and called for raising the rate to at least 75 percent, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization. Although tobacco generates around Rs 33 billion in annual revenue, lawmakers said the health and treatment costs associated with its use exceed this amount by Rs 45 billion.

Lawmakers highlighted that more than 8.5 million people in the country are affected by tobacco use, including around 800,000 young individuals aged 14 to 24 who are addicted to such products. They also pointed out that tobacco is taxed at 58 percent in India and 73 percent in Bangladesh.

MP Kushum Maharjan stated that over 39,000 people die annually in Nepal due to tobacco use and demanded a 100 percent tax increase in the upcoming budget.

MP Guru Prasad Baral emphasized the need to expand the scope of tobacco taxation to reduce its consumption, stating that significant tax hikes are necessary to curb use.

MP Dr. Atyutam Lamichhane called for zero tax on vehicles used to transport farmers’ produce to markets.

MP Anuska Shrestha suggested ensuring the sale of local products representing Nepal in all shops at Tribhuvan International Airport.

MP Afsana Banu drew the government’s attention to the imprisonment of youths involved in the Genji movement, alleging they were charged falsely.

MP Abhishek Pratap Shah urged the government to address drinking water shortages in Terai districts, including Kapilvastu.

MP Amar Kant Chaudhary called for establishing a quarantine facility at customs in Saptari along the Nepal-India border.

MP Amaresh Kumar Singh urged the immediate distribution of pending payments owed to sugarcane farmers, including government subsidies.

MP Amrita BK called for reforms in the open sale of alcohol to safeguard public health.

MP Ambikadevi Sangraula urged the government to address the demands of citizens on hunger strike at Maitighar in Kathmandu.

MP Arabind Sah welcomed the government’s decision to fix the minimum price of rice for the upcoming fiscal year and urged better arrangements for agricultural insurance, fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation.

MP Arjun Kumar Karki demanded immediate relief for farmers in Sankhuwasabha, where floods and landslides have swept away livestock.

MP Arjun Narsingh KC suggested forming a commission led by a former Chief Justice to amend the constitution and build national consensus.

MP Ashok Kumar Chaudhary emphasized improving digital security and preventing theft as mobile banking services expand.

MP Akriti Awasthi stated that the current public mandate was shaped by the Genji movement and demanded treatment for those injured during protests on Bhadra 23 and 24.

MP Ananda Bahadur Chand called for comprehensive development in the Far West region.

MP Aren Rai questioned when farmers’ issues would be resolved and when land ownership would be granted to squatters.

MP Asha Jha urged proper waste management and irrigation facilities for farmers.

MP Ashika Tamang demanded that the body of a youth from Dhading, who died abroad, be repatriated promptly.

MP Indira Rana Magar called for collective support for the government’s efforts to maintain good governance.

MP Eliza Gurung demanded the withdrawal of a proposal to abolish the Gumba Development Committee and called for its restructuring.

MP Eshudakumari Baral urged free treatment for those injured in a bus accident en route from Kathmandu to Surkhet.

MP Ain Bahadur Mahar demanded resolution of telecommunications and power disruptions during storms in Bajhang.

MP Ojaswi Sherchan called for clarity in procurement processes, noting that expensive medical equipment remains unused in government hospitals.

MP Ankita Thakur urged the government to address infrastructure shortages, including drinking water and roads, in Bajhang.

MP Kanhaiya Baniya supported the government’s balanced development plans.

MP Kamal Subedi highlighted increasing fire incidents during summer and called for better firefighting equipment and trained personnel.

MP Karishma Katharia pointed out the lack of basic services such as roads, education, and communication in Darchula and called for special budget allocations.

MP Kamini Kumari criticized opposition disruptions in Parliament, stating that the government is working in line with public expectations.

MP Kali Bahadur Sahakari drew attention to the destruction of a school playground in Kalikot due to landslides and called for reconstruction.

MP Kulbhakta Shakya warned that unregulated parking is encroaching on Kathmandu’s cultural and religious heritage.

MP Kriparam Rana urged faster construction of the Daiji-Chela Industrial Zone in Kanchanpur.

MP Krishnahari Budthoki called for reconsidering the two-day weekly holiday policy in education and health sectors.

MP KP Khanal raised concerns about the health impacts of rising temperatures in western Terai districts.

MP Krantishikha Dhital called for timely revisions to teachers’ salaries, promotions, and professional recognition.

MP Khagendra Karna urged attention to communities affected by wildlife in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

MP Khagendra Sunar highlighted hardships faced by low-income groups in Banke due to extreme heat and called for regular electricity supply.

MP Khadak Bahadur Budha demanded sufficient budget allocation for major infrastructure projects in Jajarkot.

MP Khadka Shahi called for greater transparency and credibility in the Property Investigation Commission.

MP Khima BK urged special provisions in the budget to support security personnel working in difficult conditions.

MP Khushbu Oli demanded an investigation into irregularities in a biogas project in Jhapa that has been left unused.

MP Khemraj Koirala called for immediate resettlement of landslide-displaced citizens in Kailali.

MP Gazala Shamim Mikrani called for stronger monitoring and accountability of NGOs operating in Madhesh Province.

MP Ganesh Karki demanded action against fraudulent land ownership practices.

MP Ganesh Parajuli urged promotion of cultural festivals nationwide, including those in the Kathmandu Valley.

MP Ganesh Poudel highlighted shortages of free medicines in Rautahat and called for immediate action.

MP Ganesh Bahadur Bishwakarma urged affordable healthcare services for low-income citizens.

MP Ganesh Singh Thagunna called for special allowances for relief teachers in remote districts.

MP Geeta Gurung emphasized upholding the principle of separation of powers.

MP Geeta Kumari Sendang demanded withdrawal of restrictions on medical representatives entering hospitals.

MP Gopal Sharma highlighted drinking water shortages in Rukum West and called for solutions.

MP Ganga Chhantyal called for ending discrimination against marginalized groups, including women, Dalits, indigenous communities, and gender and sexual minorities.

MP Ganga Devi Shrestha urged inclusion of relief and temporary teachers in social security systems.

MP Gangalakshmi Awal called for preservation of the traditional Tantric Navadurga dance of Bhaktapur.