Kathmandu: PonteSud – News Desk
The government has formed a high-level study and investigation committee led by former Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi to probe irregularities in immigration and visit visa processes.
Responding to lawmakers’ queries during the House of Representatives meeting on Monday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed that joint secretaries from six ministries have been appointed as committee members.
They include Tirtha Raj Chilwal (Finance), Aruna Joshi (Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs), Ram Krishna Lamichhane (Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation), Mani Ratna Koirala (Foreign Affairs), Pradip Koirala (Labour, Employment and Social Security), and Ananda Kafle (Home).
Lekhak said the committee was formed in line with the government’s commitment to undertake policy, legal, and structural reforms to address long-standing issues related to visit visas.
While the decision had backing from ruling and some opposition parties, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) opposed the formation.
RSP’s Dr Swarnim Wagle said the committee lacks credibility and called for a parliamentary probe committee led by an incumbent or former justice.
Gyan Bahadur Shahi demanded an investigation into the roles of 14 home ministers appointed over the past 18 years, stating, “We cannot accept this committee.
This is beyond political interests-justice must prevail, and all guilty must be held accountable”. Both parties boycotted the House meeting after voicing their dissent.
