Finance Ministry Clarifies Role of Retired Employee in Typing Financial Bill
The Ministry of Finance has issued a statement addressing concerns regarding the involvement of unauthorized individuals in the process of drafting tax rates.
In the statement released on Monday, the ministry asserted that no unauthorized person was involved in the preparation of the Economic Bill for the fiscal year 2080/81. It clarified that Ramkrishna Shrestha, a retired civil service employee with extensive experience in the Customs Department, was specifically assigned the task of typing the bill.
The ministry, however, did not provide specific reasons for choosing Shrestha for the typing job. It explained that the financial bill was discussed in the presence of officials appointed by the directorate involved in budget formulation. Once the authorized officials finalize the bill, it undergoes additional processes such as computer typing, harmonized code matching, and thorough personnel checks to ensure accuracy and accountability.
Highlighting Shrestha's background and expertise, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that he had served in the Customs Department for an extended period and is currently working on typing the draft of the Economic Bill. Despite being retired, Shrestha's extensive experience and efficiency led to his continued engagement in typing the financial bill.
The ministry emphasized that Shrestha's involvement in typing the draft was based on his work experience and competence. The statement further stated that Shrestha's behavior throughout the process has been closely monitored and accounted for.
By addressing concerns surrounding unauthorized involvement, the Ministry of Finance aims to alleviate any doubts regarding the integrity and transparency of the financial bill's drafting process. It underlines the importance of adhering to strict protocols and involving qualified individuals to ensure the accuracy and reliability of such crucial documents.
With the ministry's explanation shedding light on the role of Ramkrishna Shrestha and the measures in place to maintain the bill's integrity, the focus now shifts to the smooth progression of the financial bill and its potential impact on the country's economic landscape.
Yesterday, Thakur Prasad Gaire, MP of the main opposition party UML, had raised questions about this event in parliamentary session of the House of Representatives. Likewise, Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Gyanendra Shahi had demanded that a parliamentary investigation committee be formed to probe this matter.
Meanwhile, alleged retired employee Shrestha was quoted as defending himself saying, 'I have been working on the budget since 2049. Till date, no financial bill has been missed in any year. How did I become an unauthorized person"
See Ministry's press release here:
