Kathmandu, June 11

With the fear of failing to meet the revenue target set for the current fiscal year, the government has pushed the revenue offices and officials hard for meeting their targets set for the current fiscal year 2069/70.

With the change in political scenario and start of bandhs and strikes, there is around Rs. 2 billion shortfall in government revenue up to the first 10 month of the current fiscal year.

However, the Ministry of Finance said that it would meet the target given the present growth rate and improving political atmosphere in the country.

The Ministry of Finance has set in motion. Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Baskota along with other government officials have been in the run to follow the revenue mobilization.

In this connection, Secretary Baskota made a surprise visit to the revenue offices in Banke and Bardiya recently.

During the visit, Secretary Baskota directed the revenue officials to be responsible and accountable towards their duty and uphold good relations with the public and business community and maintain good governance.

He also asked the officials to maintain transparency, discipline and respect the customers’ satisfaction.

On the occasion, Purushottam Shrestha, Chief of Nepaljung Customs Office, said that the office would exceed its revenue target this year.

"We have a target of mobilizing around Rs. 2.42 billion in revenue this year. We have already mobilized Rs. 2.10 billion," he said, "The office may succeed in mobilizing around Rs. 2.7 billion in revenue this year."

He informed that the revenue growth of the office was around 26 per cent compared with the same period previous year.

Shrestha informed that the office was successful in controlling and curbing illegal trading, cross-border smuggling among others.

Rameshwor Mishra, Chief of Rajapur Customs Office, informed that the office was committed to meet its revenue target.

"We have given the target to mobilise about Rs. 12 million in revenue this year. We have already collected around Rs. 6.2 million up to the first 10 months of the current fiscal year," he said, adding, "We will try our best for meting the target."