Revenue leakage be discouraged to achieve collection target

Kathmandu, June 15: CPN (UML) lawmaker Bheem Prasad Acharya has said that revenue leakage could ironically help achieve the revenue collection target.     

During the general discussions on the Annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditures (budget) for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 in the House of Representatives (HoR) today, he argued, “Currently, 50 percent of revenue is lost due to leakage.”     

Speaking on behalf of his party, Acharya described the budget as realistic and oriented towards addressing the challenges faced by the private sector.     

He emphasized the need for sufficient research on agricultural insecticides, particularly concerning the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and called for the proper implementation of the budget.     

Acharya also highlighted several key issues, including the production of a skilled workforce for the industrial sector, implementation of school curricula aimed at promoting employment, training for micro-enterprises, availability of startup capital, and the promotion of clean energy for cooking.     

“Presently, cooking gas worth Rs 1500 billion is imported annually from India, and the budget should focus on reducing this dependency,” he stated.     

Additionally, he advised the government to mobilize honorary consuls according to their objectives and to prioritize the timely completion of strategic electoral constituency roadways.(RSS)