Revenue collection: Sindh CM orders action against corrupt officials

Excise and Taxation department misses target.

KARACHI:

Taking notice of the revenue department’s failure to meet collection targets, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has directed transfer and punishment of negligent and corrupt officials.

At a meeting, held to review collection of taxes at the Chief Minister’s House on Monday, officials said that Rs470.78 million was collected from property registration up to February, against the target of Rs900 million. Moreover, only Rs980 million was collected against the target of Rs6.5 billion for stamp duties.

Owing to the economic slowdown in the country, particularly the lacklustre activity in the real estate sector, the number of property transactions has fallen, while stamp duty collection has also dropped.

Regarding the performance of Excise and Taxation Department, the meeting was told that Rs12.585 billion was collected till February, against the target of Rs20.1 billion. The figure included Rs8.4 billion worth of infrastructure cess duties, Rs1.9 billion of motor vehicle tax and Rs1.76 billion of excise enactment.

Shah said that vacant posts in the revenue department would be filled through a transparent process, in line with recruitment rules and policies. Appreciating the role of some tax officers, the minister directed the departments concerned to reward sincere officials working hard to achieve targets.

Discussing media reports regarding corruption by Tapedars and Mukhtiarkars, Shah directed the authorities to be vigilant and take prompt action against such officials.

The meeting also discussed methods of generating funds and directed the Sindh chief secretary to hold a meeting of relevant departments in order to prepare proposals before the new budget.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th,  2011.