Oped»
Passport please
AUG 07 -
The data on the identity page of a machine readable passport (MRP) is encoded in optical character recognition format. An MRP is designed to facilitate cross-border travel by enhancing security by incorporating the globally inter-operable machine assisted biometric identification or data storage system. The reason behind issuing MRPs is to strengthen security, integrity and reliability of travel documents, speedy clearance and effectiveness of inspection procedures and accuracy of verification. The MRP also facilitates control of trans-national border crime which is becoming a growing threat in modern civil aviation.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) primarily deals with this matter which has 188 member states. All its members are committed to issuing MRPs by not later than 2010. Nepal had missed the deadline but ICAO extended the time limit at the request of the government of Nepal till Aug. 1, 2010. This deadline has too passed, and the government has asked ICAO for another extension. The political crisis and controversy over the MRP deal do not make meaningful sense in this direction. Foreign Ministry officials have already taken the decision to award the deal to a French company Oberthur after finishing the evaluation procedure of all its tender documents.
The decision making process in Nepal has long suffered from red-tapism, political interference, bureaucratic inefficiency, individual and group interests and external meddling. This customary practice has not changed even today in the new context of Nepal. The current controversy over the MRP deal is also a reflection of this traditional mind-set and old decision making practice. It has also raised a question over the effectiveness and efficiency of the Foreign Ministry’s performance. The existing culture of decision making practice, uncooperative and uncoordinated behaviour among decision makers, political interference and individual interest are common practices which have made the
situation more complicated during the decision making and policy formulation process. Therefore, the MRP deal
has also become a captive of the existing practice in the country.
Having been a victim of the existing situation, the MRP deal has come under national and international preview. Under this pretext, various internal and external forces have found appropriate ground to fish in the troubled water of Nepal. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should also not drag the same matter frequently. The political parties have to be aware of external meddling in the country’s internal affairs by observing their own deeds and considering the national interest. The MRP issue needs to be resolved
soon. Nepal’s foreign policy efficacy cannot be attained with the current governance system.
A prolonged controversy only helps to create distrust within the comity of nations, damage the national image, lose international credibility and political leverage, reduce foreign policy efficacy and widen distrust with friendly nations. The deal had once been cancelled. If it happens again, it will not send a good massage to the international community. The dissatisfaction expressed publicly by the foreign minister concerning the decision taken by the officials is also a serious implication for effective execution of Nepal’s
foreign policy. The dignified image of the Foreign Ministry should not be allowed to be damaged by the MRP issue. Every issue should be handled sincerely, prudently, diplomatically and pragmatically rather than on individual whims. A tiny error could have
long-term implications for the attainment of the broader national interest.
Thus, all the concerned authorities need to be sincere and more honest regarding the issue. They need to
take decisive measures to expedite the MRP deal without losing sight of the national interest. A quick deal is also necessary to avoid the problems that tens of thousands of Nepali could face if the government fails to meet the deadline again. Foreign employment, overseas study, international conferences and international trade could be adversely suffered. It will also have an impact on the socio-economic condition of the country.
Timely and proactive direction needs to be given to the competent authority considering its long-term impact. No place should be left to point the finger at PAC’s impartial and independent role and its efficiency and credibility. Political motive, individual interest
or internal and external meddling should not be allowed to enter the process. Foreign Ministry officials, who are highly professional and experienced and are the key actors for the sound execution of Nepal’s foreign policy, should not leave any stone unturned to maintain its commitment, efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and credibility. The constructive role of civil servants in the policy and decision making process should not be undermined by the concerned authorities.
Both politicians and bureaucrats need to forge mutual understanding, coordination and cooperation. A favourable working environment between politicians and bureaucrats should be created. If the political masters and bureaucrats blame each other and demonstrate uncooperative behaviour and personal ego, it would only hurt the Nepali people, create anarchy and damage the national image.
(The author is a postgraduate in Master of Public Policy from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea)
rebantakc@yahoo.com
Posted on: 2010-08-08 08:44
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