Pokhara City Honors Manipal Hospital as Top Taxpayer Despite Rs 20 Crore Tax Dispute
Pokhara City Honors Manipal
17th December 2025, Kathmandu
The city of Pokhara recently bestowed the title of ‘Best Taxpayer’ upon Manipal Teaching Hospital. This recognition, however, has ignited a fierce debate.
Pokhara City Honors Manipal
The award was presented by the Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) on the occasion of its 67th establishment day. The controversy is significant because the hospital still reportedly owes the PMC an outstanding tax amount of nearly Rs 20 Crore related to map-pass fees.
This Manipal Best Taxpayer Pokhara Controversy raises serious questions about municipal governance and revenue collection practices.
Manipal Teaching Hospital was recognized for contributing the highest amount in taxes among businesses. The hospital paid Rs 36,14,015 in taxes, making it the top business taxpayer for the period.
The Unpaid Rs 20 Crore Tax Dispute
While the hospital was paying its regular taxes, a separate and much larger outstanding liability exists. Manipal Hospital is yet to clear an approximate Rs 20 Crore map-pass tax debt owed to the PMC.
Map-pass tax is related to the approval of building construction and compliance with municipal regulations. The hospital was established in 1996.
The metropolitan city had previously made a highly contentious decision regarding this outstanding amount. On March 23, 2023 (Chaitra 10, 2079), the PMC’s executive meeting decided to grant a massive tax exemption to Manipal.
The decision was to waive the Rs 20 Crore liability. Instead, the hospital was to pay only Rs 1.75 Crore. Following this payment, the PMC would issue a building completion certificate to the hospital.
Integrity Issues and Anti-Graft Investigation
This decision faced immediate and widespread criticism. Allegations surfaced suggesting that the revenue exemption was granted with malicious intent, potentially bypassing established rules.
As a result, a formal complaint was lodged with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The CIAA acted swiftly.
They conducted a raid on the Metropolitan City office, seizing relevant documents to investigate the reported rule-breaking and the circumstances surrounding the tax exemption.
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Decision Reversal and Inaction
Public and political pressure mounted quickly following the controversial decision. Consequently, the 15th City Assembly convened and decided to officially reverse the executive committee’s decision to grant the tax exemption.
The Assembly also resolved to form a Tax Determination Committee to conduct a proper study. The committee was to accurately assess the correct tax amount owed by the hospital.
However, it is reported that this committee has not carried out any significant study or assessment to date. The revenue exemption issue remains under deliberation at the CIAA.
PMC’s Defense and Justification
The Metropolitan City has attempted to justify honoring the hospital. They claim the current tax paid, for which Manipal received the award, is distinct from the outstanding map-pass tax liability.
The hospital was honored for its punctual payment of current business, property, and land revenue taxes, which constitute the Rs 36 lakh amount.
They assert that the dispute over the Rs 20 Crore map-pass fee is a separate matter currently being addressed by the anti-graft body.
The Manipal Best Taxpayer Pokhara Controversy remains a stark example of the complexities in municipal revenue management.
Regular Taxpayers Honored
The ceremony also honored individuals for their timely tax payments: Dhiraj Aryal, Rambabu Ghimire, and Radha Timilsina were recognized for punctually paying their land and property taxes.
Their contributions were Rs 4,071, Rs 1,214, and Rs 1,474 respectively. These individuals set a positive example for civic responsibility in timely tax compliance.
The ongoing Manipal Best Taxpayer Pokhara Controversy is a critical issue that the PMC must transparently resolve to maintain public trust.
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