MP Barali Says Government Yet to Reach Agreement Reflecting the Sentiments of Gold and Silver Entrepreneurs

Amir Ramdam, Chitwan - Speaking at a discussion and interaction program organized by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, Chitwan, on Friday at the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hall, Member of Parliament Ranendra Barali stated that the government has failed to reach an agreement that addresses the real concerns of gold and silver entrepreneurs.

According to MP Barali, while entrepreneurs expected a firm and immediate resolution, the federations and protest committees accepted a conditional and vague agreement, leading to ongoing uncertainty and distress in the gold and silver industry. He accused the government of attempting to undermine a sector that significantly contributes to the national economy.

Bagmati Provincial Assembly Member Ishwar Sapkota also blamed middlemen for creating further complications for entrepreneurs and labeled the newly introduced tax policy as a direct attack on the business sector. He pledged to raise the entrepreneurs’ legitimate demands in the provincial assembly and called on all stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and industrialists to advocate strongly for the rights of gold and silver businesses.

Shankar Ishu Pokhrel (Julen), central member of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, emphasized that gold is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture, religion, and lifestyle. He argued that viewing gold merely as a luxury commodity is inappropriate. Given its importance in festivals, rituals, and cultural practices, he called for it to be recognized as an essential and investment-worthy commodity.

Pokhrel appealed to the government to revoke the new VAT and luxury tax provisions introduced through the budget, warning that they would adversely affect not just entrepreneurs, but also artisans, consumers, and the government itself.

He further advised that the district-level associations should coordinate closely with the national federation, which is currently in talks with the government to resolve these pressing issues.

Former President and Advisor of the Chitwan chapter, Tek Bahadur Bishwakarma, expressed disappointment over the silence of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a critical time for gold and silver entrepreneurs. He noted that although hundreds of entrepreneurs are affiliated with the chamber, its inaction has raised questions about its role and integrity.

Other speakers included Yam Kumar Lwagun, Vice President of the Federation for Bagmati Province; Chiranjibi Subedi, Senior Vice President of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; former president Dr. Yam Bahadur BK; and advisors Gyanendra Man Shakya, Chitra Bahadur Bishwakarma Khati, and Kamal Ramdam, who shared their perspectives.

The program was chaired by the President of the Gold and Silver Dealers Association, Chitwan, Hem Bahadur Bishwakarma, who also handed over a memorandum to MPs Barali and Sapkota on behalf of the association. The event was moderated by General Secretary Gopal Bahadur BK Thapa.