Auditor General Flags Rs 160 Million RTDF Revenue Gap, Questions NTA Oversight

 

Kathmandu. The Office of the Auditor General has flagged a significant shortfall in revenue collection under the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF), revealing that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has failed to recover over Rs 160 million in dues and penalties from service providers.

In its 63rd annual report, the Auditor General’s Office stated that several telecommunications companies have not deposited mandatory contributions into the fund, raising concerns over regulatory oversight and potential loss of government revenue.

Under the Telecommunication Act, 1996, service providers operating in Nepal are required to contribute 2 percent of their annual income to the RTDF, which is intended to support the expansion and development of telecommunications services in rural areas. The law also provides for additional penalties in cases of delayed or non-payment.

However, the report noted that the NTA has not been able to collect these dues on time, resulting in arrears exceeding Rs 160 million.

Citing official data, the report said that out of 261 licensed service providers, 40 companies failed to deposit the required 2 percent contribution, amounting to Rs 162.1 million based on a dutiable annual income of Rs 8,109.5 million for the fiscal year 2080/81, along with applicable penalties.

The Auditor General’s report also highlighted the large financial balance maintained under the Authority and the fund. Of the total accumulated profit and reserves of the NTA amounting to Rs 20.6108 billion, Rs 15.7101 billion has been deposited in the RTDF. This includes Rs 6.0813 billion in fixed deposits and Rs 10.0801 billion in cash and cash-equivalent holdings.

The report has urged the Authority to formulate a clear policy on the utilization and management of the large unspent balance held under the fund, citing concerns over efficiency and financial governance.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ ७, २०८३ १४:३६

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