Officials urge unified reforms to curb revenue leakage, promote good governance
Kathmandu: Experts and senior government officials have called for coordinated reforms across all sectors to curb revenue leakage, promote transparency, and strengthen good governance.
The remarks were made during a program organized by the Terai Development Communication Center Nepal, focusing on revenue growth, embezzlement control, and systemic challenges.
Auditor General Toyam Raya emphasized that minor issues must be managed effectively without over-politicizing them. He urged all three levels of government to clearly define their revenue jurisdictions and promote digital transactions to discourage the informal economy. He also stated that tax defaulters should not receive exemptions, and public officials’ benefits must be made transparent.
Deputy Auditor General Bamdev Adhikari trained participants on the causes of increasing embezzlement and stressed the need for proper coordination in identifying high-risk areas, goods, and profit groups.
National Planning Commission Member Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha discussed weaknesses in economic planning and stressed the importance of implementing practical strategies to reduce financial irregularities.
Secretary to the Government of Nepal Bamdev Sharma Adhikari noted that tax “leaves should be plucked, not uprooted,” emphasizing the importance of ongoing taxpayer education.
Additional Inspector General of Police Krishna Hari Sharma highlighted law enforcement’s role in tackling financial crimes, while Joint Attorney at the CIAA Shambhu Karki emphasized the need for stronger legal action against corruption.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Revenue Investigation Krishna Kumari Shrestha and Director General of the Internal Revenue Department Madan Dahal both called for better enforcement and data-driven policy making.
Joint Secretaries Mahesh Baral and Parbati Sharma Kafle from the Ministry of Finance, Gopal Ghimire from the National Vigilance Center, and Chief of Customs Inspection Chiranjivi Timalsina all stressed the need for stronger institutional coordination, transparency in public procurement, and enhanced accountability mechanisms.
Nepal Samacharpatra Editor Sagar Pandit and Press Council Chief Officer Jhabindra Bhusal emphasized the media’s role in raising awareness and promoting responsible reporting in the revenue sector.
The program was attended by joint secretaries, revenue officials, and senior communication professionals who shared insights on improving public financial management and accountability.
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