Main opposition Nepali Congress has objected to the government's decision asking business firms to pay taxes while businesses have been severely affected by the ongoing lockdown.

The Cabinet on April 26 had extended the deadline for submitting tax details and making payment of taxes including income tax, value-added tax, excise duty, telephone service fee, telephone ownership fee, and education services fees till June 7.

But on Tuesday, the government issued a notice asking taxpayers to clear their taxes within the extended deadline of June 7, or pay fines.

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the main opposition condemned the government move of collecting tax during such testing times, terming the decision impractical and irresponsible.

“Due to lockdown, all industries, factories, tourism, educational institutions have come to a standstill. The businesses, banks, financial cooperative institutions, and private hospitals have also been hit hard by the ongoing lockdown. All economic transactions have come to halt,” read the statement. “It is unusual, unnatural, impractical and irresponsible for the government to ask for tax payment during these difficult times. Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party strongly condemns the government move.”

The party further said that demanding tax payment instead of introducing relief packages for all the affected small and big business, workforce and farmers showed the government’s apathy towards the Nepali citizens.

“It is reprehensible for the government to put additional burden to the general public,” read the statement, “The Nepali Congress parliamentary party strongly urges the government to correct its decision.”