KATHMANDU: The Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers and Artisans Struggle Committee held a protest rally on Wednesday, demanding the immediate removal of the two percent luxury tax on gold.

Protestors also called for the cancellation of the 13 percent value-added tax (VAT) imposed on diamonds, precious stones, and jewelry products. They argued that such taxation is harming both traders and consumers.

The demonstration, which included goldsmiths, artisans, traders, and consumers, began at Maitighar and marched toward Baneshwor, drawing public attention to their concerns. Demonstrators displayed placards and raised slogans against the tax policy.

Alongside their tax-related demands, the protestors urged the government to introduce a comprehensive and inclusive law that protects the rights and livelihoods of all stakeholders in the jewelry sector—consumers, employees, artisans, and business owners.

The committee warned that the newly introduced taxes disproportionately affect small-scale artisans and traditional goldsmiths, threatening Nepal’s centuries-old jewelry-making heritage. Similar protests have been held in other parts of the country in recent weeks.