Bengaluru, Aug 22: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged chartered accountants to work closely with the state government and offer practical suggestions to boost revenue collection, strengthen financial management and improve the state’s fiscal position.
Addressing a conference organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said chartered accountants, with their expertise in taxation and financial management, can play a valuable role in helping the government identify untapped revenue opportunities and prevent leakages.
He called on the professional community to study the state’s revenue system and suggest measures that can increase collections without placing an additional burden on genuine taxpayers, businesses or ordinary citizens.
“Our government is an open book. We are open to new ideas and solutions,” Shivakumar said, inviting chartered accountants to engage with the government and provide constructive recommendations.
The Chief Minister stressed that improving revenue collection should not be limited to increasing taxes. Greater efficiency, better compliance, plugging leakages and making it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations are equally important, he said.
He urged government agencies to focus on tackling tax evasion while ensuring that compliant taxpayers are not subjected to unnecessary difficulties.
Shivakumar also highlighted Karnataka’s strong economic base, driven by sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, aerospace and other emerging industries. He said the state’s expanding economy provides considerable scope for strengthening its revenue base through better systems and efficient administration.
The Chief Minister pointed to the government’s significant spending on welfare and development programmes and said stronger revenue mobilisation is essential to maintain fiscal stability while continuing to fund public services and infrastructure.
He also sought the help of chartered accountants in improving financial awareness and tax compliance among businesses and citizens. Their professional knowledge, he said, can help create a more transparent and efficient revenue ecosystem.
Shivakumar further encouraged the profession to contribute to the effective use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, particularly for strengthening primary education in rural areas.
He said the government was ready to consider practical suggestions from professionals and other stakeholders to improve revenue collection and public financial management.
The interaction highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the government and the professional community in building a stronger, more efficient and sustainable revenue system for Karnataka.