Lawmakers Demand Probe into E-Passport Printing Amid Corruption Fears
Members of Parliament in Nepal have criticized the government over the e-passport printing process, citing delays, increased costs, and suspicions of corruption. During a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday, lawmakers questioned the lack of transparency in the procurement process for passport printing. They demanded an explanation from the government regarding the additional financial burden placed on the state. MP Yagya Bahadur Bogati of the CPN-UML party raised concerns about these issues during the committee's session. The discussions highlighted a significant deviation from the expected timeline and budget for the e-passport project. Lawmakers expressed apprehension that the irregularities could lead to financial losses for the country. They are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future mismanagement. The committee is expected to review the procurement procedures and the performance of the company responsible for printing the e-passports. The delay in issuing e-passports has also caused inconvenience to citizens requiring international travel documents.
The parliamentary inquiry into the e-passport printing process in Nepal highlights a common governance challenge: ensuring transparency and accountability in public procurement, especially for critical national documents. The concerns raised by lawmakers regarding delays, cost overruns, and corruption suspicions point to potential systemic weaknesses in oversight mechanisms. Moving forward, strengthening independent auditing functions and implementing robust anti-corruption frameworks for government contracts will be crucial. This situation underscores the importance of proactive risk management in large-scale public projects to safeguard state resources and public trust, particularly as digital identity solutions become increasingly vital in the global landscape.
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