Finance Minister Paudel vows to crack down on revenue leakages

Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the government will act strictly to stop revenue leakages. Speaking at a meeting of the Central Revenue Leakage Control Committee on March 25, Finance Minister Paudel said that the government will use all its power to control the leakages and take stern action against those involved in such irregularities. Stating that revenue leakages will not be tolerated, the Finance Minister said, “We will pay equal attention to business growth and revenue protection.” He also urged concerned departments and security agencies to work without any negative impact on revenue mobilisation. During the meeting, Finance Secretary Shishir Kumar Dhungana opined that it is necessary to exchange information between the Ministry, the Department and the security agencies. Revenue Secretary Ram Sharan Pudasaini said that policy and systemic reforms are being made to control leakages. Inspector General of Nepal Police Shailesh Thapa expressed his commitment to provide all necessary assistance to control revenue leakages. Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Shailendra Khanal said that illegal activities could be stopped through regular monitoring activities. Chief of the Revenue Management Division at the Ministry of Finance, Rameshwor Dangal said that efforts were being made by various agencies to control revenue leakages and action was being taken against those involved in such activities. Director General of the Department of Customs, Yamlal Bhusal, said that small customs offices need to be made effective.