KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has said that the country has not been betrayed while fixing tax rates as mooted and if anybody proves otherwise, he is ready to face the music.
Responding to queries raised in Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Sharma said, “I am fully responsible for the tax rates set by the Revenue Committee. There has been no betrayal as mooted. I am ready to face the music if anybody proves manipulation in the tax rates, because I know nothing is wrong with it.”
He asserted that the rates have been fixed keeping in view the dollar reserves, imports and production.
Minister Sharma went on to say that he had gone to his quarters in Pulchowk to rest between 11:30 am and 12:15 pm the day before the budget was tabled and went to the ministry at 6 am next day.
Clarifying the allegation of manipulation of the tax rates by allowing entry of unauthorized persons into the Ministry the night before budget was tabled, Finance Minister Sharma said he was never aware of who entered or exited the ministry.
“I will take responsibility for the budget that has been prepared by the Finance Secretary and others,” he said, adding, “And I am never aware of who enters and leaves in the ministry.”
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