KATHMANDU, JULY 21
The government has scrapped the 3 per cent equity fee on education and healthcare sectors.
Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah took Facebook stating that Implementing the 3% equity fee on the private education and healthcare sectors as originally planned would place an additional financial burden on the public and cause widespread frustration. "Therefore, following consultations with the Finance Minister, Swarnim Wagle, the government has decided to suspend the immediate implementation of both the Education Equity Fee and the Healthcare Equity Fee," reads his post.
It further states that this administration is a people-centric government built upon the trust and expectations of its citizens. Our primary objective remains the maintenance of good governance while ensuring every citizen enjoys a high standard of living.
"The introduction of the 3% equity fee was intended to fulfill several key socio-economic goals, including delivering quality education and healthcare services to citizens residing in remote and marginalized regions. It was also designed to provide direct support to Dalit, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged children, whilst expanding national health insurance coverage and generating the financial resources required to sustain it. Furthermore, the measure aimed to broaden the tax base to establish a more structured and stable economy."
"Nevertheless, the government has taken serious note of the public sentiment and reaction surrounding the equity fee. Our commitment to building an equitable society while listening to the voices of our citizens remains resolute and clear."
As per the post, every decision made by this government centres strictly on the public interest, and should any decision draw dissatisfaction from the populace, the government stands ready to review, refine, and amend its policies accordingly.
"To ensure that underprivileged and impoverished citizens gain fair access to quality healthcare and education, the government remains firmly committed to enforcing existing welfare policies," read PM Shah Post. "This includes guaranteeing that private hospitals reserve 10% of their beds and private colleges and universities allocate 10% of their seats for disadvantaged groups through a fully transparent and equitable system."