Probably for the first time in the history of Nepal since the founding of the Shah dynasty 238 years ago in Nepal, the King and Crown Prince have been made to pay tax, local The Kathmandu Post daily reported in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The Customs Office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu charged 768 U.S. dollars (53,739 Nepali rupees) as duty and tax on 50 pieces of torchlight on Wednesday that came recently from the US in the name of King Gyanendra.

Likewise, the office also charged 1,103 dollars (77,193 Nepali rupees) in customs duty, demurrage charge, tax and fine on ' Hunting Trophy' that came from Vienna, Austria, for Crown Prince Paras, an official at the TIA said preferring anonymity.

"We released those torch lights and the Hunting Trophy after slapping 1,871 dollars (130,702 Nepali rupees) in customs duty and other charges," the official said. "This is the first time, we slapped tax and other charges on the goods imported for the King and other royal family members," he added.

The 19 kg parcel containing 50 pieces of black rechargeable torchlight had arrived at the airport Customs Office recently from the U.S. in the name of "the King of Nepal" through courier service whereas the Hunting Trophy had arrived on Sept. 10.

As per the proclamation of the reinstated parliament on May 18, tax and charges were imposed on goods imported for Royal family.

The proclamation stated that all royal property as well as the income of the King and royal family members would be taxed.

Source: Xinhua