Hans News Service Bengaluru

ChiefMinister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged chartered accountants to advise the state government on increasing revenue, plugging financial leakages and correcting shortcomings in the system.

Addressing a dialogue conference organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the government was open to suggestions and sought the professional community’s guidance on strengthening the state’s finances.“Our government is an open book. We are open to new ideas and solutions. Give us suggestions to correct our mistakes and prevent leakage of resources. You are the custodians of trust, and that trust is in your blood. Protect it,” he said.

The Chief Minister said chartered accountants could play an important role in protecting people’s assets, improving revenue collection and strengthening the economy. He also criticised what he described as harassment of honest taxpayers by officials. “Honest taxpayers are sometimes subjected to mental harassment by officials, while those who actually evade taxes are not questioned. Karnataka is more disciplined compared to several other states, with a large proportion of transactions taking place through formal channels,” he said.

The Chief Minister urged chartered accountants to suggest ways of increasing government revenue without creating difficulties for businesses and industries. Shivakumar also sought the help of chartered accountants in ensuring better utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

He said Karnataka should focus CSR resources on strengthening primary education in rural areas and urged ICAI members to guide companies in directing their CSR investments towards such priorities.“Give companies guidance on CSR funds. Our government wants greater focus on primary education in rural areas. We are working on an education policy towards this objective,” he said.

Responding to a request from ICAI representatives regarding land for the organisation, Shivakumar assured them that he would look into the matter. “Come and meet me next week after the Assembly session. Your demand is in the interest of the state and the new generation. You should also advise our government on resource mobilisation,” he said.

The Chief Minister concluded by calling for greater cooperation between the government and the professional community, saying the purpose of his participation was not merely to receive applause but to seek a partnership in strengthening Karnataka’s economy and public finances.