Crusher Operators to Hit the Streets

Crusher operators across Nepal have warned of phased protests, saying the government has ignored their repeated requests to renew their legally registered industries.

The decision came from the fifth central committee meeting of the Crusher Entrepreneurs' Federation, under Sitaram Neupane. Neupane, the federation's chair, said the registration of their legally-registered industries has not been renewed for for years.

Neupane blamed government bodies like the Home Ministry, Transport Ministry, and Finance Ministry for avoiding responsibility and delaying the process.

The federation has again demanded that legally registered crusher industries be allowed to renew licenses and continue operations immediately.

Renewals have been halted since 2016. A new guideline was introduced in 2020, giving only a one-year deadline, which was later challenged in court. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the case in March 2021.

Neupane stressed that crushers pay taxes and have the right to operate legally. He said protests will intensify if the issue is not addressed soon.

The federation has already submitted letters to various government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, but no concrete solution has been given.

Crusher industries have been operating since 1990 and were regularly renewed until 2015. Neupane argued that applying the 2020 rules to older industries is unfair and asked the government to provide relocation options if needed.

The federation, established in 2013, now has over 500 members and district branches in more than 50 districts.