April 10: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat on Monday directed the customs officials to work dutifully to meet the revenue collection target.

Addressing the Customs Management Seminar organized by the Department of Customs in Kathmandu, Minister Mahat directed the customs officials to give utmost priority to their responsibility. 

"I don't mean to say the traders involved in the import and export business be given unnecessary hassles. You know well what the right things are, but these are not being implemented. I want to draw your attention towards that," the Finance Minister said. 

Stating the Ministry of Finance under his leadership is effortful in carrying out works in a transparent manner, he asked to the responsible officials to carry out their works seriously. "Let us start the culture of working in a responsible and accountable manner," he reiterated. 

Customs Department is not solely responsible for the fall of revenue collection, as many causes are behind the drop, added Dr Mahat.

Serious discussions have been held with the security bodies for stopping leakage of revenue, Mahat said Mahat. He urged the customs officials to monitor revenue collection in support of the security bodies and the customs officers. 

"Revenue collection has dropped at many customs checkpoints including at Bhairahawa, Birgunj and Rasuwa checkpoints,” he added. 

Noting that income had decreased even to cover general expenditures, Dr Mahat said that the government was according high priority to solve the current financial crisis. 

Mahat informed that the government is doing everything possible to give a way-out to the country from current the financial fiasco.

Finance Minister Dr Mahat urged the customs officers to pay attention to unnecessary hassles and difficulties facing industrialists and businessmen.