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Started 1 day ago · Updated 1 day ago

Mahabir Pun Alleges Taxi Number Plate Trading Manipulation Reaching NPR 1.5 Million

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Member of Parliament Mahabir Pun claims that the illegal trade of taxi number plates in Kathmandu has reached up to NPR 1.5 million due to the government's long-standing halt on new taxi registrations. He asserted that this situation is severely exploiting taxi entrepreneurs and workers, and suspects collusion from provincial governments to the Department of Transport Management.

• MP Pun raised the issue in the House of Representatives, highlighting that the government charges 250-300% customs duty on taxi imports, with an additional NPR 1.5 million being illegally collected for 'black plates'.
• He demanded an immediate investigation and abolition of the practice, noting that the number of registered taxis has remained stagnant at around 9,000 since 2057 BS, despite a significant population increase in Kathmandu.
• Pun also called for the removal of the syndicate that has flourished due to the halt in new taxi registrations, urging the government to provide opportunities for self-employment by increasing the number of taxis.
• The Badi community in Karnali Province also complained of state neglect, stating that the provincial government has failed to implement agreements made with them following a 17-day protest six years ago.
• Changunarayan Municipality in Bhaktapur has been declared the country's first Yoga Municipality, aiming to promote health, positive thinking, and prosperity through yoga camps and education.