Kathmandu. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel is trying to win the confidence of the public. Former Minister Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada had imposed several unpopular decisions which Paudel is trying to reverse.

On the proposal of Finance Minister Paudel, the government has abolished the tax on book import. The issue of tax levied on foreign book imports introduced by Khatiwada was heavily criticized in the Parliament as well as on the streets.

Khatiwada had previously introduced a budget on May 29, 2019 that imposed 10% customs duty on import of books. Several protests were conducted against the provision. Khatiwada, unwavered, defended his decision stating that it was taxed for profit and not as a constraint on knowledge.

The government has also reviewed the tax on electric vehicles after Khatiwada stepped down as the Finance Minister. A meeting of the Council of Ministers had decided to waive the excise duty imposed on electric vehicles. The tariff rate on electric vehicles had been increased from 10 percent to 80 percent, and excise duty from 30 percent to 80 percent, through the budget of the current fiscal year. The government has now decided to waive excise duty.

Khatiwada, who is considered to be Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s confidant, was also criticized within the party for his decision. Minister Paudel is now attempting to improvise. PM Oli wanted Khatiwada to remain as the Finance Minister, however, he was removed from the position after the party recommended Bamdev Gautam in the National Assembly. PM Oli then appointed Khatiwada as the Chief Economic Adviser and later as an ambassador to the United States of America upon the government referral.