Himal Press 
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KATHMANDU: Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat clarified on Tuesday that no unauthorized individuals were involved in making changes to the tax rates.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers in the meeting of the House of Representatives, Dr Mahat said, “Except for appointed officials, including the finance minister, finance and revenue secretaries, and director generals of customs and the inland revenue departments, no one else was involved in the budget preparation process.”
Lawmakers had earlier questioned Mahat why a retired junior officer, Ram Krishna Shrestha, was involved in the budget-making process.
Dr Mahat explained that Shrestha had been responsible for typing the draft of the Economic Bill for the past three decades. “After his retirement, he was reappointed on a contract basis,” Dr Mahat said. “Shrestha has expertise in customs codes, and he has been performing the same work for many years.”
The finance minister said that Shrestha’s role was limited to typing the decisions made by the finance minister, finance secretary, and director generals of customs and inland revenue departments. “He had no involvement whatsoever in the decision-making process,” he clarified. “Even while typing the decisions, he was under close monitored of high-ranking officials.”
Minister Mahat also said that he was committed to working transparently without being influenced by anyone. “When I assumed the office at the finance ministry, I made a commitment to work impartially and without any external influences. I will continue to uphold this commitment in the future as well,” he added.
