News India Live, Digital Desk: The era of ‘free shopping’ that has been going on for decades on the India-Nepal border has now come to a halt. Nepal’s Balendra Shah government has increased strictness on goods coming from India to reduce revenue deficit and protect its local markets. According to the new order, now ‘Bhansar’ (customs duty) will have to be paid if goods worth more than Rs 100 are taken to Nepal. This rule is applicable not only on commercial goods but also on ration, clothes and everyday items bought by common citizens. Why was this strict decision taken? Mainly two big reasons are being given behind this step of Nepal government: Promotion of local market: Traders of border cities of Nepal (like Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar) were complaining that people go to India to buy household goods, due to which Nepalese business is getting ruined. Stopping revenue theft: The Nepal government was losing revenue worth crores of rupees due to small illegal smuggling and goods coming without tax. ‘Miking’ and strictness on the border: 24-hour surveillance Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) has started making announcements through loudspeakers in border areas like Raxaul (Bihar), Jogbani, Araria and Banbasa-Jhulaghat border of Uttarakhand. Seizure of goods: Those who follow the rules. Those who are not following the rules, their goods are being confiscated. Long queues: The limit of ₹ 100 is so low that even after buying one kilo of good tea leaves or a few packets of biscuits, people have to stand in the queues of Bhansar office for hours. Silence in Indian markets: increased concern of traders. The biggest blow of this decision has been given to the markets of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand which were dependent on Nepalese customers: According to Raxaul Chamber of Commerce, There has been a decline of more than 50% in daily sales. Impact on the wedding season: During the wedding season, Nepali citizens used to buy clothes, jewelery and utensils from India, which has now almost stopped due to the tax burden. Vegetable and ration market: There has been a huge reduction in the supply of milk, vegetables and ration going to Nepal in the border mandis. Increased troubles of common citizens. People living on both sides of the border, who have family ties and relatives, are the most troubled by this rule. Are. He is calling the limit of Rs 100 as “practically impossible”. He says that this rule will only increase corruption and cause unnecessary trouble to the general public.