Nepal PM Balen Shah backs handicrafts, drops 3% education‑health tax

Prime Minister Balen Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Nepal’s handicraft sector, promising policy reforms, a public‑private Handicraft Development Board, a Handicraft Village in Kathmandu Valley, training centres in all provinces and a shift to an invoice‑based export valuation system. He also pledged to address the suspended 5 % export incentive and to return the SAARC Handicraft Development Centre building to its intended use.

Later, Shah announced that the proposed 3 % equity tax on private education and health services will not be implemented. Citing widespread protests and concerns that the levy would increase costs for citizens, he said the decision was taken after consultation with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, keeping the government’s people‑oriented stance.

Both moves aim to stimulate traditional industries while avoiding additional financial burdens on the public.