On 11th May, 2019 Department of Revenue and Custom under the Ministry of Finance in Samdrup Jongkhar conducted an awareness program on tax and custom to Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, the only tertiary education institute. One of the main objectives to conduct such programme to the college was mainly to provide wholesome education along with awareness of National Policies, Rules and Regulation, so that students are well equipped with the necessary knowledge to join the work force.
Therefore, the events were participated by all final year students of the college along with faculties and staffs of the college. Such workshop/advocacy program was also conducted in the year 2016 for the first time and workshop was themed “educating young mind”. It is conducted for final year student considering the important roles they will play in the market of employment and entrepreneurship once they graduate from the college. With support the support from relevant office, the college always aim to strive in educating students at regular intervals on such subjects so that their performance in job market will be productive and efficient.
In addition, the mentioned programme is one of the prime responsibilities of Revenue and Customs department. They informed that they are mandated to promote awareness of tax and customs among general public and more importantly to potential tax payers, businessman and corporate house.
Such awareness program takes different avatars considering the need of their client, time, situation and directives from Department and government. As Bhutan transits or graduate from least developing countries (LDC), the revenue from internal sources ought to improve. Revenue performance over the decades has been sluggish and its contribution to GDP has not been up to the mark though in general collection of revenue has improved significantly. Against such set back, there has been consistent directives from the Department and Ministry to improve revenue performances by reaching advocacy program which is why the department has shifted to primordial method to improve compliance or institute tax paying culture through advocacy program.
The workshop was resourced by four officials from the department covering the content on customs module, tax module and Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS).