Kathmandu. Crusher entrepreneurs have warned of a phased protest, saying that the government has not listened to the renewal process of crusher, mining and sand industries registered and operating across the country.
The fifth meeting of the central working committee of the Federation of Crusher Entrepreneurs held in the capital under the chairmanship of Sitaram Neupane, President of the Federation of Crusher Entrepreneurs, decided to choose the path of protest, saying that despite repeated demands from the government, they have not been addressed.
According to President Neupane, crusher industries registered and licensed according to the law in all 77 districts of the country have not been renewed for years. He said, ‘There is a tendency for the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Finance and other bodies to avoid the responsibility of coordination by imposing it on each other.’
The federation has reiterated its demand that the government immediately create an environment where legally registered industries can be renewed and crusher production, excavation and sale and distribution can be carried out.
The renewal of crusher industries was stopped after 2073 BS, and even though the new standards issued in 2077 BS gave a deadline of one year, the businessmen had reached the Supreme Court. However, the court has already dismissed their writ petition on Chaitra 20, 2077.
‘We must ensure the right to pay taxes and do business according to the law,’ said Chairman Neupane. ‘If the demand is not heard, the movement will be strengthened even more.’
The businessmen have submitted memorandums to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Industry, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and Ministry of Home Affairs. But they have expressed disappointment that no concrete solution has been reached yet.
According to the Federation of Crusher Entrepreneurs, crusher industries have been registered in Nepal since 2047 BS and were being renewed regularly until 2072 BS. Although the government prepared the crusher standards in 2072, the final approval was only given in 2077 BS.
Chairman Neupane says, ‘It is unfair to apply the 2077 BS standards to industries that are already operating. If it must be implemented, a situation should be created where industries can only move by providing a new location.’
Chairman Neupane mentioned that the government has been collecting taxes and fees from industries registered under the law that are unable to renew due to the 2077 BS standards, and now requested that those industries be renewed immediately.
The federation, established in 2070 BS, currently has more than 500 businessmen affiliated with it, while there are district associations in more than 50 districts.
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