September 9: Banks have opened all their counters upon the instruction of the government so that the private sectors can pay taxes even amid restriction. Nepal Rastra Bank had directed banks and financial institutions involved in revenue collection to open all the branches and counters for three days starting from Tuesday (September 8).

With the directive from the central bank, the branches and counters of the banks across the country have been opened on Tuesday.

According to the central bank, till now the banks had been providing their service by opening limited branches, but to make it easier for revenue collection, they have been instructed to open the bank even if it is a public holiday on the last day.

Executive Director of NRB, Dev Kumar Dhakal, said that to avoid overcrowding, the branches are being opened till Thursday.

Although the counter was opened on Tuesday, there was less movement on the first day. Officials of Inland Revenue Department said that the revenue collection was also low compared to other days. According to them, not more than Rs 50 million was collected on Tuesday.

Stating that the taxpayers will increase in the last hour, Director General of the department, Binod Bahadur Kunwar, said that it has been made easier to pay taxes by opening the branches that were closed. According to him, although the private sector has requested to extend the deadline, it will not be extended immediately as no decision has been taken the by Ministry of Finance.