Kathmandu, July 21 -- Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on social media on Tuesday that the proposed three percent equity fees on private education and health services would not be implemented, saying the levy would have increased the financial burden on the public.

Following the announcement, Kantipur's Yagya Banjade spoke with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle about how the decision was reached and how it will be given legal effect. Edited excerpts:

The prime minister has announced that the proposed equity fees on education and health will be withdrawn. Was this a Cabinet decision?

The proposal to suspend the fees has been prepared for the Cabinet. The provision was introduced under Section 18 of the Financial Act. I held a one-hou...