Rautahat, November 5

Revenue collection in Rautahat has been adversely affected due to the prolonged agitation of the United Democratic Madhesi Front.

According to the Revenue Office, Gaur, it has incurred a loss of Rs 35 million so far as the office remains closed since August 20.

Traders and businessmen have not been able to import goods from the Indian border for the said period. The office had set a target of collecting Rs 500,000 per day from mid-August to mid-October and Rs 350,000 per day from mid-October to mid-November. But the office has not been able to meet its target due to the prolonged shutdown by the agitating parties.

Chief of the Revenue Office, Rameshwor Kumar Mishra, said that they had set a target of collecting Rs 123 million this year. But the office says it is nowhere near meeting the target. Mishra said revenue collection this year would stand at a record low if the crisis in the Tarai persists.

Marketplaces have remained shut for the past two-and-a-half months, while no goods have been exported or imported through the border point due to the ongoing Madhes agitation.

Meanwhile, security personnel seized a large quantity of goods worth millions, which were being smuggled from India. The goods have been kept at the revenue office for investigation. According to Mishra, they closed the office after receiving security threats.