Kathmandu, April 2: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has directed the subordinates to curb revenue leakage by formulating an action plan. The central revenue leakage control committee could hold a meeting to prepare the action plan, he suggested.
The Finance Minister pointed out the absence of ‘mission model’ of performance for not achieving target in regular works despite managing huge development by Nepali administration. He also suggested a ‘task model’ of regular responsibilities. He vowed a clear policy in place on reduction of tax rate and expansion of tax remit for revenue growth.
According to him, anyone, group or class involved in smuggling would not be spared. Atmosphere for enforcement of tax rule would be created and a clear term of reference made for related bodies to curb revenue leakage. Dispute on tax would be settled as soon as possible; number of no filer taxpayers would be reduced and workforce strengthened accordingly, the Minister assured in the meeting.
Also in attendance, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung directed the secretaries and departments chiefs to stop trend of shirking responsibilities and blaming each other. A dedicated action plan was imperative to control revenue.
The infrastructures and workforce at border should be upgraded in addition to availability of equipment.
In the meeting, chief of Revenue Management Division under the Finance Ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, made presentation on present status of revenue, risky zones of revenue loss, role of related media, and challenges and further plan for reform.
The chiefs of various departments briefed how the concerned departments were working for the revenue collection and facing problems.
The meeting was also attended by HoR member Sushil Khadka, secretary at Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, home secretary, finance secretary, revenue secretary, director generals of related departments and chiefs of security agencies.
