Submit election police procurement files within 15 days, PAC tells govt

KATHMANDU: The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has directed the government to submit all documents related to the procurement and contracts made for election police personnel.

A meeting of the committee held on Wednesday instructed the government to present the procurement documents, contracts, and other details regarding uniforms and supplies provided to the election police personnel recruited for the March 5 elections within 15 days.

The committee has sought documents such as internal procurement guidelines, contract files, cost estimates, specifications, samples, tender documents, technical and financial evaluations, agreements and supply details.

Committee Chairperson Bharat Bahadur Khadka informed that instructions were also given to submit quality test reports, bills and payment details, and past supply or contract records of the vendors. “The committee will conduct a detailed study once the documents are received from the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he added.

During the meeting, lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) demanded that the investigation should proceed after relieving the Home Secretary and the
the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of their responsibilities.

“A committee should be formed to probe alleged irregularities in the procurement of uniform for election police personnel. The incumbent Home Secretary and the IGP should not remain in office once the committee is formed,” RSP lawmaker Khagendra Sunar said.

On the other hand, Nepali Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Barshaman Pun maintained that investigations and reviews of complaints against public bodies must be grounded in facts and evidence.

Following remarks from lawmakers, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha assured full cooperation if an investigation takes place regarding complaints of irregularities in uniform procurement. He invited authorities to examine his and his family’s bank accounts as part of the probe.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki expressed serious objection over what he termed efforts to undermine his dignity. Stating that numerous complaints have been filed with the police force as well, Karki said launching investigations into every such grievance would prove extremely difficult.

Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Nepal, Narayan Dutta Paudel, clarified that the procurement process was carried out in full compliance with the Public Procurement Rules, 2007.