Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has directed the concerned officials to control revenue leakage. During a discussion held on ‘revenue collection and leakage control’ at his office on Tuesday, PM Dahal said, “Although overall indicators in economy are positive, there are still the problems in revenue collection. There is gradual improvement in economy since the month of Poush. However, it does not mean Nepal’s economy is out of risk.” He stressed on both widening the revenue net and curbing revenue leakage.
“Policy level reform can address this problem. Revenue administration must be made robust to control leakage,” PM Dahal made aware. PM Dahal further said the revenue leakage is not only in customs but also in other areas. So, tax net must be widened. Adequate morale and integrity among officials and security persons is equally imperative for effective revenue administration, according to PM Dahal. The sectors impacting at high scale on revenue must be regulated and controlled. He stated, “Once the big wrongdoers are taken action, the small ones will fizzle out.” The state is not feeble, anyone involving in wrongdoing will face action, he warned.
On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel also directed the government officials to break the nexus of those evading tax. He also made aware the officials on austerity and slashing spending. The chiefs of the concerned offices presented the status on present economy, challenges of economy, revenue collection, revenue control and the measures to solve problems. The discussion was attended by the PM, Finance Minister, PM’s chief political advisor, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor, secretary at PM’s office, finance secretary, revenue secretary, commerce secretary, chief of the armed police force and others.
