Question : ALLEGED PASSPORT SCANDAL



(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Passport Scandal in Houston Consulate` appearing in the `Hindustan Times` dated January 21, 2002;

(b) whether similar scandals have also been reported in other Missions at San Francisco, Chicago, New York etc.;

(c) if so, the details in this regard including the total number of entries in respect of passports in these Missions missing;

(d) whether any inquiry has been made by the Government in this regard;

(e) if so, the outcome thereof; and

(f) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to avoid such recurrence?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b, c, d & e) Government conducted an internal inquiry into the matter and found that the allegations leveled in the newspaper report were false.

(f) Ministry has issued instructions on safe custody of blank passport booklets, which are reiterated from time to time.