Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the revenue rates of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year have been scientifically proposed.

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the general discussions on the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for fiscal year 2023/24 in the second meeting of the National Assembly today, he argued taxing the electric vehicles and imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on daily consumable goods will not hit the general public.

“A narrative is being tried to create that the common man has been affected due to the increment in tax on electric vehicles and imposition of VAT on onion, potatoes and apples.

Do not be misled by this,” the Finance Minister said and argued that the tax on EVs has been maintained in a logical manner and it is not increased.