Government Forms High-Level Committee to Investigate Visit Visa Scam; Two Opposition Parties Raise Objections

 Kathmandu, June 24 — The government has set up a high-level committee, led by former Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, to investigate irregularities in immigration and visit visa procedures.


Speaking at Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said the committee includes joint secretaries from six ministries: 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 as part of the government's broader efforts to reform existing policies, laws, and structures related to visit visas.


While the move was supported by the ruling parties and some opposition members, it faced strong criticism from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). RSP lawmaker Dr. Swarnim Wagle questioned the credibility of the committee and called for a parliamentary investigation led by a sitting or former justice.


Meanwhile, RPP’s Gyan Bahadur Shahi demanded a probe into the actions of all 14 home ministers appointed over the past 18 years, stating, "This isn’t about politics—justice must be served, and those responsible must be held accountable."


Both RSP and RPP walked out of the House in protest.










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