Public Accounts Committee Discusses Electronic Passport Irregularities Amidst Judicial Concerns

Kathmandu. Discussions have been held in the Public Accounts Committee of the Federal Parliament regarding alleged irregularities in the procurement process of electronic passports (e-passports).

In the committee meeting held on Tuesday, MPs from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) raised procedural questions, stating that the committee should not interfere in cases under judicial review.

Speaking at the meeting, RSP Parliamentary Party Deputy Leader Ganesh Parajuli emphasized that the three organs of the state – executive, legislature, and judiciary – have their own jurisdictions and that the court must be respected. He argued that since a case related to passport printing was filed in the Special Court on Asar 8, the committee should not delve too deeply into it. He recalled past irregularities in the Airbus purchase and water supply project tender processes, expressing concern that public procurement and tender processes in Nepal remain plagued by corruption. MP Parajuli stated, 'Corruption is a major problem of the country, and systemic reform is necessary to eradicate it.' He added, 'However, discussing a matter that is sub judice in the respected court could hinder the achievement of the real objective. We are confident that the judiciary will fulfill its responsibility.'

RSP Chief Whip Krantishikha Dhital questioned the committee's performance, stating that a case under judicial review was placed as the main agenda item. Dhital urged the chairperson to postpone the discussion on the matter for the time being, considering the lack of time and its sensitivity, and proceed with discussions on other miscellaneous issues. She said, 'If this is a matter we cannot discuss, why was it placed on the agenda? The secretariat should pay attention to such sensitive issues when setting the agenda.'

Although the committee showed interest in the tender process for passport printing and the employees and other parties involved, the meeting did not enter into the main agenda due to the matter being under judicial process and instead focused on other technical issues.