Kathmandu, June 6: The Nepali Congress has raised questions regarding a provision in the Economic Bill for the next fiscal year, 2024/25.
The provision proposes allowing the registration of the vehicles gifted to the Nepali Army by China despite failing to meet the country’s established vehicle emission standards.
Speaking in the Parliament meeting today, NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa questioned Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun about the rationale behind this specific provision. He demanded an explanation for including the provision in the Bill, which typically talks about budgetary and economic matters.
“The current vehicle emission standards will not be considered a hindrance to the inspection and registration of Chinese-donated vehicles received but not registered by the Nepali Army,” according to Article 31 of the Economic Bill.
As the government presents the Economic Bill, the parliamentarians have limited power to propose amendments, raising concerns about the inclusion of the unrelated issue of vehicle registration in the Bill.
China had gifted 95 vehicles to the Nepali army at different times. However, they have yet to be registered as they cannot meet the vehicle emission standards.
