Finance Minister Khanal Says Revenue Investigation Department No Longer Necessary

Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal has said the country no longer requires the Revenue Investigation Department (RID), arguing that revenue-related issues can be handled by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Speaking at an event organised by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, Minister Khanal said the business community has long complained that the RID has been causing unnecessary hassles. He noted that if a trust-based system is developed, there would be no need for additional agencies to deal with revenue matters.

“If we build a system grounded in trust, there is no need for other agencies in matters of revenue. There may be some who engage in wrongdoing in government, the private sector, or the community, and the authority to take action against such individuals should lie with the concerned agency,” he said.

The high-level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission, led by Khanal himself before he became finance minister, had also recommended scrapping the RID.

After assuming office, Khanal brought the RID—previously under the Prime Minister’s Office—under the Ministry of Finance. However, even two months into his tenure, the government he leads has not yet moved to dissolve the department, despite his clear position in favour of its abolition.