KATHMANDU:- 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 a ‘mission model’ of performance for not achieving the target in regular work despite managing huge development by the Nepali administration. He also suggested a ‘task model’ of regular responsibilities.

He vowed a clear policy in place on the 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.

An atmosphere for the enforcement of tax rules would be created, and clear terms of reference would be made for related bodies to curb revenue leakage.

Dispute on tax would be settled as soon as possible; the number of non-filer taxpayers would be reduced, and the workforce would be strengthened accordingly, the Minister assured in the meeting.

Also in attendance, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung directed the secretaries and department chiefs to stop the trend of shirking responsibilities and blaming each other.

A dedicated action plan was imperative to control revenue. The infrastructure and workforce at the border should be upgraded, in addition to the availability of equipment. In the meeting, the chief of Revenue Management Division under the Finance Ministry, Uttar Kumar Khatri, made a presentation on the present status of revenue, risky zones of revenue loss, role of related media, challenges and further plan for reform.

The chiefs of various departments briefed on how the concerned departments were working for revenue collection and facing problems.

The meeting was also attended by HoR member Sushil Khadka, secretary at 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.