As of 03 May, 2010
KATHMANDU, May 3: Tourism entrepreneurs, particularly trekking agencies
close to UCPN (Maoist), have introduced one-door system in the sector to
facilitate collection and payment of donations to the party.
Under
this system, they have asked tourism entrepreneurs to contact Jyoti
Adhikari, D B Koirala, Tilak Lama, Hari Dharel, Ganesh Simkhada, Sagar
Pandey and Pramod Baniya whenever Maoist party or its sister
organizations call for donations and inform them how much they wish and
will pay to the party.
“Adoption of this one-door system will
free entrepreneurs from the burden of undertaking negotiations on
donation amount at the individual level,” they said, issuing circular
and sending emails to the entrepreneurs, on Monday. They have argued
that it would also ensure that no unscrupulous groups walk away with
donations in the name of Maoist party.
Hoteliers preferring
anonymity also informed Republica that Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)
too has endorsed this system and is enforcing it soon. “We believe this
will help manage the existing terror of Maoist´s donation drive,” a
hotelier said.
Under this system, the hoteliers have agreed to
collect their share of donations amount in a single basket and hand it
over directly to the party, instead of dealing with it individually.
Business
organizations like Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) that long urged
Maoist not to compel businessmen pay donations too have succumbed to the
party´s pressure and is mulling over introducing one-door system in
businesses and industries as well.
“We are discussing the system
with Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)
and will introduce it soon,” said NCC President Surendra Bir Malakar.
He,
however, said that the one-door system that NCC will enforce will not
just bring into record donation calls and payments made to UCPN
(Maoist), but also finances paid to other political parties and groups
as well.
“It will help us to maintain transparency on donations
and financial supports provided by the businesses to the political
parties, various armed groups in Tarai and other local groups,” said
Malakar.
The business community also plans to push the government
allow them deduct the amount from income for taxation purpose.
“Business community is reeling under severe pressure of donation drive
and it is coming not only from UCPN (Maoist),” said Malakar, referring
to demands and threats of armed groups in Tarai and frequent calls for
financial help from other political parties, among others.
In
this connection, FNCCI and NCC has already repeatedly pushed for the
government to allow them deduct donations from income for taxation
purpose. |
