Govt forms visa probe panel; RSP, RPP walk out

KATHMANDU: The government has formed a high-level investigation and study committee led by former Chief Secretary Shankhar Das Bairagi to look into issues related to immigration and the recent visit visa controversy.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the committee during Tuesday’s House of Representatives meeting while responding to lawmakers’ queries on current national concerns.

According to Minister Lekhak, the committee includes joint secretaries from six ministries:

• Tirtharaj Chilwal (Finance)

• Aruna Joshi (Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs)

• Ramkrishna Lamichhane (Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation)

• Maniratna Koirala (Foreign Affairs)

• Pradeep Koirala (Labour, Employment, and Social Security)

• Anand Kafle (Home Ministry)

Minister Lekhak stated that the committee was formed in line with the government’s commitment to initiate structural, legal, and policy-level reforms to address long-standing problems related to visa management.

Opposition Rejects the Committee

Despite initial consensus among ruling and opposition parties, two opposition parties—Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)—have rejected the committee.

RSP lawmaker Dr. Swarnim Wagle objected to the appointment of former Chief Secretary Bairagi, demanding instead a parliamentary investigation committee led by a sitting or former judge.

Likewise, RPP MP Gyan Bahadur Shahi demanded that all 14 individuals who served as Home Minister over the past 18 years be investigated, claiming the current committee lacks the authority and neutrality to deliver justice.

Following their statements, both parties walked out of the House meeting in protest.