KATHMANDU: Umbrella body of transport enterpreneurs, Federation of Nepalese National Transport Enterprenuers (FNNTE), today complained of government apathy and demanded reduced transportation tax.

At a press conference in Reporters’ Club Nepal here today, FNNTE demanded the government pay compensation for the vehicle torched by aggressive groups at Jamal on July 21. FNNTE general secretary Dol Nath Khanal said, “If the government won’t bring effective policies regarding insurance and anti-social activities, we will declare a transportation strike throughout the country.” He added that the government should give 75 per cent concession in annual transportation tax and permit renewal process.

Apart from it, the federation has asked the government to come up with a clear provision of tax system in transportation means on the basis of use of petrol or electricity. “The transportation tax of Rs 6,200 has to be replaced by the initial tax of Rs 4,000 for vehicles of 1300 cc capacity,” said

federation president Dinesh Bhandari. He said the five percent increment in customs tax should be waived as it has increased the cost of vehicles in turn.

“There should be 99 per cent concession on the purchase of new vehicles replacing the old ones,” said Khanal. He added that there should be a provision to purchase the vehicles directly from foreign companies and those imported from foreign countries should sport the exact rate.