Kathmandu : Ncell has initiated a new game plan to pressure the government to settle outstanding revenue. In the recent past, Ncell has played a significant role in deteriorating the investment environment in the country by implementing various strategies to avoid paying taxes to the Nepali government.
Twenty-five years after its establishment, the company automatically transitions to the government’s name. However, to halt this transition, Ncell has initiated a new strategy. A few months ago, the company attempted to sell shares by creating a fictitious company and misleadingly asking the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to approve its operations. However, after widespread public opposition, the government formed a commission to investigate and make decisions.
Currently, Ncell owes 20 billion rupees for renewal fees for the next five years. However, the company is finding various excuses to avoid paying this amount. With only four billion rupees accounted for, Ncell plans to manipulate the remaining 16 billion rupees, affecting both government and private employees. Ncell’s plan to bring itself under UTL’s umbrella in this regard has been noticed.
In Nepal, United Telecommunications Limited (UTL), an Indian investment company, was granted permission to operate telecommunications services. After failing to pay taxes of 13 billion rupees, its license was revoked. UTL had also politically influenced the government to avoid paying taxes and operating, raising billions from Nepal.
When UTL failed to pay the royalty of one billion sixty-five million rupees on time, the government provided it with the facility to pay in installments. However, after deliberate defaults, UTL left Nepal after extracting 13 billion rupees.
Ncell seems to have adopted some of UTL’s strategies. Once the government is convinced of Ncell’s complete compliance over the next five years, the company’s top officials have speculated on maximizing earnings through various manipulations.
This situation has created a scenario where thousands of consumers could again fall victim to another foreign company’s deceit. The Nepali government must be vigilant in time.
Want to read this news in Nepali?
FACEBOOK COMMENTS