Kathmandu — Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal has expressed deep concern over the unusually high number of citizens being placed on the national blacklist, describing it as a serious issue for the country’s financial stability.
Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee, Minister Khanal addressed lawmakers’ queries and highlighted the far-reaching consequences of excessive blacklisting.
According to Khanal, when a significant number of citizens fall under the blacklist category, it negatively affects a country’s financial system. “If fewer people had landed on the blacklist, credit flow would have increased,” he stated.
He noted that the liquidity shortage currently affecting the economy is also linked to blacklisting, as loans that should reach rural and economically disadvantaged groups are not being disbursed on time. He recalled that delayed payment of interest subsidy and agricultural loan support had resulted in dues amounting to Rs 10 billion, creating additional pressure on the economy.
Khanal said that after assuming office, he ensured the release of the remaining Rs 10 billion, which helped banks and financial institutions redirect investment toward priority sectors.
“When too many people end up on the blacklist, they cannot access new loans. This halts investment in productive sectors, hinders job creation, and ultimately affects government revenue,” he added.
The finance minister expressed confidence that regularizing the distribution of subsidy payments would gradually improve liquidity in rural areas through timely loan disbursement. He also informed the committee that the government is actively working to reduce irregularities and control outstanding dues.
