The Government of Nepal has officially waived the Education Equality Fee and Health Equality Fee in full, reversing a tax measure introduced just days ago through the national budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27). The decision comes after widespread criticism from the education and health sectors, which argued that the additional charges would ultimately increase the financial burden on students and the general public.
Key Details
- Cabinet Decision: July 22, 2026 (Shrawan 6, 2083 BS)
- Fee Effective From: July 17, 2026 (Shrawan 1, 2083 BS)
- Current Status: Education Equality Fee and Health Equality Fee fully waived
The decision was approved during the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday following a proposal from the Ministry of Finance. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel confirmed that both fees have been granted a full exemption.
According to the Cabinet decision, the exemption has been granted under Section 18(1) of the Finance Act, 2083, which allows the government to provide a full waiver of the two fees.
The Education Equality Fee and Health Equality Fee came into effect on July 17, 2026, after being announced in the Fiscal Year 2083/84 Budget. However, the policy was met with strong opposition from private educational institutions, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders soon after its implementation.
The Ministry of Finance stated that the decision to withdraw the fees was reached after extensive consultations between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah had also announced that the government would begin the process of removing the two fees.
With the Cabinet's latest decision, the Education Equality Fee and Health Equality Fee have now been officially withdrawn, ending the implementation of the policy less than a week after it came into force.
