A parliamentary study subcommittee investigating the procurement of uniforms for election police, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force (APF) has outlined its schedule for collecting evidence and hearing statements from involved parties and experts. The panel aims to complete its report by early December.
Following its second meeting at Singha Durbar on October 26, subcommittee coordinator Manish Jha detailed the timeline for the inquiry. The group will use the period until November 16 to gather relevant documents, prepare questions, and organize its approach. From November 17 to December 1, it will conduct hearings with officials, suppliers, and sectoral experts connected to the uniform procurement process. The final stage, from December 2 to 6, is reserved for drafting the report.
The subcommittee operates under a two-month mandate ending December 6. Jha noted that while 20 days have already passed since the panel’s formation, public holidays and scheduling leave approximately 30 working days remaining to complete the task. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreed timetable to ensure a thorough investigation.
Jha stressed that the subcommittee’s function is to conduct a fact-based study rather than assign guilt or innocence. He clarified that the body’s role is to compile findings, offer recommendations, and present conclusions, while any decisions or actions will fall under the authority of the full parliamentary committee.
“It would be premature to declare anyone culpable before the investigation is complete,” Jha said. “If we already had evidence of wrongdoing, there would be no need for further study. Currently, we are still working in an open and uncertain phase.”
The inquiry follows concerns about transparency and potential irregularities in the procurement of uniforms supplied to Nepal’s security forces for recent elections. By examining procurement records and hearing from key individuals, the subcommittee aims to provide comprehensive insight and guidance to address these issues.