Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, has announced the Government's commitment to strengthening the mandate of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and addressing the challenges it faces.

The minister's assurances were delivered during his keynote address at MIRA's 15th Anniversary Celebration and "RanFanara" Awards Ceremony.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Minister Zameer hailed MIRA as the nation's economic engine, highlighting its vital role in generating over 83% of the state's revenue. The work of every MIRA employee is directly shared in building schools, providing health services and building a brighter future for all Maldivians, he remarked.

The Minister outlined several key initiatives the Government will undertake to support the institution. He declared that finding a permanent solution to MIRA's long-standing office space shortage is a top priority. Furthermore, he revealed that significant legal reforms to enhance MIRA’s administrative capacity and independence are imminent.

Emphasizing the importance of modernization, the Minister noted that the Government's 'Maldives 2.0' policy aligns with MIRA's own Digital Transformation Roadmap, calling it an essential step to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

The ceremony also honored exemplary taxpayers with the "RanFanara" award. Minister Zameer extended his gratitude to the recipients, stating that their sincere efforts transcend legal obligations and serve as an inspiration for all citizens. He called for a cultural shift where paying taxes is viewed not as a burden, but as a fundamental civic duty.

Addressing businesses registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Minister described them as crucial partners of the state in the tax collection system and urged them to discharge their responsibilities faithfully.

Reflecting on the authority's journey, Minister Zameer described MIRA's establishment 15 years ago as a fundamental step towards building a modern, sustainable and self-sufficient economy. The Minister assured MIRA of the Government's full cooperation in achieving its goals, pledging to do everything in his power to promote and empower this vital institution.