Shiva Raj Bhatta

Dhangadhi, July 20:

The main custom office of far western region at Kailali, which had received a letter of appreciation for collecting more revenue last year, has collected 31 per cent less revenue than what was aimed for this fiscal year.

Working chief of the office said that the loss was due to the present situation of the country like protests, strikes, closure of seven other custom offices and increase in illegal trade. Kailali custom office was given a target to raise Rs 161.6 million in revenues in the FY 2004-05 out of which Rs 111.7 million could only be collected. Previously, the custom office had collected Rs 144 million revenue while its aim was to collect Rs 142 million only.

Working Chief, Bhatta ascribing the reasons for the loss due to frequent bandhs and strikes which had adversely affected both import and export of goods, bringing down revenue collection sharply. Presently, the seven small revenue offices at the eastern border of Kailali district are closed due to security reasons. Bhatta says, “Nowadays, illegal trade through the borders at Bhajani, Tikapur, Lalbolhi and Satil have shot up.”

The removal of small customs, which used to contribute 25 to 35 per cent of the total revenue collection, and illegal smuggling have contributed to the decrease in revenue collection, said Bhatta. An employee of the custom office, said, “Letter was sent to custom department to reopen small custom office at Tikapur but the department has not taken any initiative yet.”

Chief Bhatta said a small custom office was essential to Tikapur region to check illegal smuggling. The main source of revenue in Kailali is cement and petroleum products. All petroleum products enter via Kailali as a regional depot of NOC is located at Dhangadhi.