The taxation politics
This is challenge not only for the smallest opposition in world but also to the country’s judiciary. The government has raised the vehicle import tax, which had to be withdrawn due to court order recently.
Last year, the government had raised the import tax through cabinet which received set back after country’s judiciary deciding in favour of the opposition party who filed the case against government for increasing tax. This time, the parliament has passed the tax revision and opposition has no power to challenge again. The motion received only one vote against.
It looks that government has received pressure from entrepreneurs against raising the import tax. Increasing only 5 percent against the previous increase of 15 percent is reflection of government’s revenge against the opposition but bowing to the pressure from the business community.
Most MPs who receive too much salary besides tax exemption on importing vehicles were hitting hard on the government to increase the tax. Were they serious towards people and the environment? If they were serious on what they speak, are they ready to walk to parliament at least during the house session? No they won’t do that. They just want people to pay more.
The government had to return all taxes collected last year after the court’s verdict. However, this time too, importers have to pay plus 10 percent custom duty for vehicles with 2,501 cc and above power.
The electric vehicles and bicycles have been exempted from any taxes. They will be cheaper while most popular and affordable transport motorcycles wile be costlier with 10 percent tax increase.
Please do not shout from there…. whatever our nation is doing, she is doing for good.