Banke, Oct 13: The Nepali shoppers have declined in Rupaidiya market, the India side of the border, following Nepal government’s change in import rule.
The Jamunaha border point at Nepalgunj was tightened in terms of import that the shoppers must pay import duty for every goods worth over Rs 100. It has resulted in hustling market within Nepali side.
During the festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhatha, the border town of India used to be bustling with Nepali customers. The government, however, made it mandatory to pay customs duty in import of goods that discouraged many to visit Indian market.
Former chairman of Nepalgunj chamber of commerce, Krishna Prasad Shrestha, said Nepal government’s change in custom provision and tight check point are reasons behind few Nepalis visiting Indian market.
Since last mid April, the government banned import of goods worth over Rs 100 without customs clearance.
Sirjana Thapa from Puraina of Nepalgunj-21 said it was sheer inconvenience to cross the border due to strict check point and compulsion to stand in a long line. With this, Rupaidiya market is no more hustle and bustle, she added.
The goods worth over Rs 500 must go customs check.
The strict border point and custom check has however caused benefits to Nepali market on border. The shopping malls and marts in Nepalgunj city are now astir with shoppers, according to consumer rights activist, Prabhat Kumar Thakuri.
He observed the even the traders and business entities should work together to create good atmosphere for the shoppers within Nepal- in Nepalgunj. Equally important is the market monitoring to curb excessive price hike and black marketing, which generally occur in the festival season, he suggested.
Chairman of Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce, Chiranjivi Oli, said smuggling was reported in a declining trend with strict border.
