(a) whether the Customs Department at IGI Airport, New Delhi been recently
equipped with Visa Desk System to identify frequent offenders;
(b) if so, a similar system was operaional at the above airport some years
back;
(c) the reasons for discontinuation of this system alongwith the names of
the officials during whose tenure this system was unauthorisedly removed;
and
(d) the action proposed to be taken against the erring officers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) : Yes, Sir.
(b) : Yes, Sir.
(c) : The Customs Visadex System at the IGI Airport linked with Immigration
Centralised Visadex System had developed certain software problems and went
into disuse sometime in the later half of 1997. It took time in restoring
connectivity between the Customs and the Immigration computers, based upon
sound-dex principle. During the period the computerised linked and exchange
of information was not operative, alerts issued by the DRI were kept in
Master folder and referred to for follow-up checks of particular suspect
passengers. Similarly, local alerts were also being monitored as and when the
situation demanded and even help of the Immigration Authorities taken. There
were no orders issued for discontinuation of the Customs Visadex System.
(d) : Does not arise in view of the position stated at (c) above. However,
the reasons for non-operation and steps required to make the system effec-
tively functional are being further examined in coordination with
Immigration Authorities.