Poorly managed Department of Passport ignores COVID-19 risk (with photos)

KATHMANDU, Aug 10: The Department of Passport at Kantipath, Kathmandu has been issuing passports even during the corona period, however, without strict implementation of safety measures against the viral disease. 

Most service seekers who reach the department to get copies of their passports complain that they are compelled to stand in a congested place without any social distance as the authorities fail to enforce precautionary measures against the disease. 

Dil Bahadur Gurung was one of those jostling with others at the department on Tuesday. He was there from Devdaha, Rupandehi to receive the passport of his son.  “Though it is time to fear coronavirus, we are forced to ignore the virus due to the poor management,” he grumbles. He said that it would be easier for people if the government makes necessary arrangements for passport distribution from provincial and local levels. 

See the photos taken on Tuesday.