December 29: Entrepreneurs have jointly demanded relief package with the government for the revival of economy that has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. They have warned of stern protests if the government does not fulfill their demand.

Entrepreneurs of 32 different sectors held extensive discussions on Monday (December 28) and then sent letters to the prime minister and various other government bodies demanding relief package.

They are also preparing to form Covid-19 victims’ struggle committee to press for their demand.

Those attending the discussion on Monday were from wide range of sectors including transportation, tourism industry, hotel, medicine, handicraft, real estate among others. They have warned of joint protest if their demand is not addressed. Participants of the meeting concluded that the government was not interested in  reviving the economy that has been paralyzed by the pandemic.

They said that full lockdown and partial restrictions for ten months has resulted in job loss for many people. Even in such dire situation, the government has not provided any relief package to uplift the private sector, according to the entrepreneurs.

Chairman of N-PABSON Karna Bahadur Shahi said that they decided to initiate protest programmes after the government authorities including the prime minister’s office, Nepal Rastra Bank and the concerned ministries turned a deaf ear to the repeated requests made by the entrepreneurs as well as their umbrella bodies.

They have demanded immediate release of relief package and waiver of taxes and fines of the businesses affected by coronavirus. They have also urged the government to pay for the bank’s interest and rent and 50 percent salary of employees during the affected period.