Speaking before the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Gautam clarified that he wants to be remembered for introducing advanced technology to the department. Gautam also assured lawmakers that national security and sovereignty will not be compromised even if a foreign company got selected for the contract.The committee has given it's blessings to the ministry to outsource the electronic visa processing system, as a lack of technology and manpower has hindered the current system. Airing their views in the committee meeting, lawmakers suggested the government remain on schedule to outsource the visa processing system. However, they also suggested the government seek eligible Nepali companies for the contract before deciding to invite any foreign companies for the sensitive task.
Expressing doubt over Gautam's intention after he stressed on concluding the visa outsourcing process within his term, lawmakers urged him to uphold the national interest of the country rather than his name. Lawmakers Dhanraj Gurung, Bikash Lamsal, Dor Prasad Upadhayaya, Ramhari Khatiwada, Mina Pun among others had cautioned the government to ensure national security and protect national interests while outsourcing the visa processing.
Minister Gautam said that government will not compromise on provision of a quality service or on security issues when outsourcing the electronic visa processing system. He added that firms will be selected through the global tender system.
Lawmakers heavily criticized minister Gautam after some of his statements were found to be false. Gautam had earlier said that Nepali companies are ineligible for the process as licenses issued by International Civil Aviation Organization is a prerequisite for the eligibility. However, secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs Surya Silwal and immigration expert Anup Baskota refuted Gautam's statement during the meeting.
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