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Kathmandu Tuesday February 12, 2002 Magh 30, 2058.
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VDIS skepticism
Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat earned cheers
for his ambitious Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme (VDIS). This tax campaign has
gathered around 45 million rupees so far..But what about defaulters? The Ministry has
enlisted about 1000 defaulters, who are very affluent. The government has even extended
the deadline. One wonders what would happen after the February deadline expires? Have all
Nepali Congress ministers - former and incumbent - disclosed their income sources ? Given
the prevalent corruption culture, the possibility of politicians and business tycoons
getting away safely without properly disclosing their real incomes cannot be ruled out. If
Mahat is really serious about generating more revenues, then he should start by taking
actions against his own party members, including that of the opposition parties. Such a
move will definitely boost the moral of the public.
Ashok Rauniyar
Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu |
