Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has stressed the need for strong coordination among state agencies to effectively curb revenue leakage and illegal cross-border trade. Speaking at a meeting of the Revenue Leakage Control Coordination Committee held at Birgunj Customs Office on Friday, Minister Khanal said that revenue protection is the shared responsibility of all government bodies, not just the Ministry of Finance.
“We are not competitors. All state institutions are one,” Minister Khanal said, urging government officials, law enforcement agencies, and customs authorities to work collectively. “It is necessary to work hand-in-hand. The shortcomings seen in revenue leakage must be resolved jointly through cooperation and coordination.”
He highlighted that customs administration, local administration, and Nepal’s three security agencies must adopt unified strategies to stop smuggling and unauthorized exports and imports across the border. He also expressed concern over the practice of security agencies prioritizing seizure numbers over systemic prevention.
“Security agencies should emphasize intelligence coordination, not on increasing seizures merely for records,” he added.
The minister also instructed border and customs officials to maintain respectful and service-oriented behavior towards the public. “We are here to serve the people. Our words and conduct must reflect dignity and civility,” he said.
During the meeting, Finance Ministry Division Chief Uttarkumar Khatri stated that the present environment is favorable for taking decisive action against smuggling, as there is no political interference. Similarly, Director General of the Department of Revenue Investigation, Tirtharaj Chiluwal, and Director General of the Customs Department, Shyam Prasad Bhandari, emphasized the need for unified operations to curb illegal trade.
Parsa CDO Bhola Dahal expressed commitment to enhance coordination among agencies. Chief Customs Administrator Bishnu Prasad Gyawali reported that Birgunj Customs has collected 89% of its quarterly revenue target, marking a 12.34% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
