Withdrawal of industry registration on the rise in Palpa

RAMPUR (PALPA) , NOVEMBER 25 : Youth entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about being subjected to double taxation. Businessman Ashok Shrestha highlighted the challenges of paying separate taxes to local government units, the Cottage and Small Industry Office, and tax offices.

Speaking at a program marking the 10th National Industry Day in Rampur, participants noted that they were being charged additional fees, exceeding the standard registration cost, when changing the name of their business entities. They called for reforms to simplify the taxation process and support business operations.

On the occasion, Bhojendra Prakash Dhakal, Chairperson of the Rampur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the need to revise the state’s tax and monitoring policies. He also mentioned that the Chamber is actively assisting industrialists and entrepreneurs in resolving various issues.

Raju Prasad Shrestha, President of the Lumbini Province Assembly's Finance, Industry, and Tourism Committee, shared that the provincial government has introduced the Industrial Business Promotion Act to support industry and business growth. "The law is currently being implemented, and steps will be taken to address issues such as name-change complications," he said, assuring that efforts are underway to benefit entrepreneurs.

According to Shyam Kumar Poudel, Industry Officer at the Cottage and Small Industry Office, Palpa is home to 3,756 industries and 4,285 commercial firms. However, he noted an increase in entrepreneurs canceling their industry registrations in recent years.

Since the implementation of federalism, the number of new business registrations at the Cottage and Small Industry Office has declined, as responsibilities have been transferred to local governments. While the district has seen a rise in the number of entrepreneurs and industrialists, the registration rate for domestic and small industries has dropped.