June 6: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said that allegation of leaking the information of increasing the tax on electric vehicles in the budget-making process is false.

In response to the questions raised by the parliamentarians on leaking the information of increasing tax on electric vehicles by employing an unathorized person in budget-making process,  Minister Mahat said that some business houses bring in more vehicles prior to the budget presentation in the House of Representatives assuming the tax increase every year.

“I cannot take responsibility for what some business houses do,” he said. 

Mahat claimed that he has made the tax on electric vehicles rational. He further stated that the alteration in taxes would not discourage the people from using electric vehicles.

Mahat mentioned that comparatively, the tax on electric vehicles is still low, saying, "The tax on electric vehicles is still significantly lower compared to petroleum-based vehicles". 

The tax adjustment will not deter anyone from buying electric vehicle and push him/her towards petroleum-based vehicles, Mahat stated.