Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has directed his subordinates to curb revenue leakage by formulating an action plan. He suggested that the central revenue leakage control committee could hold a meeting to prepare the action plan.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Finance Minister highlighted the absence of a ‘mission model’ of performance as a reason for not achieving targets in regular works, despite the significant development managed by the Nepali administration. He proposed a ‘task model’ for regular responsibilities and promised a clear policy to reduce tax rates and expand the tax remit for revenue growth.
Dr Wagle asserted that anyone involved in smuggling would face consequences and emphasized creating an environment conducive to enforcing tax rules. A clear term of reference for related bodies to curb revenue leakage was also proposed. The Minister assured the meeting that disputes over taxes would be resolved promptly, the number of non-filer taxpayers would be reduced, and the workforce would be strengthened accordingly.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, also present at the meeting, instructed the secretaries and department chiefs to end the trend of shirking responsibilities and blaming others. He emphasized the necessity of a dedicated action plan to control revenue.
The meeting called for upgrading the infrastructure and workforce at borders and ensuring the availability of necessary equipment. Uttar Kumar Khatri, chief of the Revenue Management Division under the Finance Ministry, delivered a presentation on the current status of revenue, risky zones for revenue loss, the role of related media, challenges, and further plans for reform.
Various department chiefs briefed the attendees on how their departments were working towards revenue collection and the challenges faced. The meeting was attended by HoR member Sushil Khadka, secretaries from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, home secretary, finance secretary, revenue secretary, director generals of related departments, and chiefs of security agencies.