Kathmandu, November 3

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a circular to all metropolis, sub-metropolis, municipalities and rural municipalities, directing them to provide specimen signatures of officials, who are authorised to put their signatures on documents issued by the local levels, to the Department of Consular Services.

Section Officer at Local Level Coordination Section of MoFAGA Janak Raj Sharma said the directive was given in response to a recent letter of the DoCS. The DoCS sought specimen signatures of authorised signatories of the local levels after some of the documents purportedly issued by them were found to be fake. Any document, which is meant to be presented abroad, issued by the local levels to service-seekers is required to be attested by the DoCS.

According to MoFAGA, specimen signatures of local level officials, who sign the documents to be submitted to the DoCS for attestation, will help the authorities concerned in verifying the authenticity of documents so as to prevent forgery of government seal and signature. DoCS has requested MoFAGA to direct the local levels to provide it with even the digital copy of each specimen signatures of the local registrars and other officials.

The DoCS will attest the documents issued by the local levels only if the signatures put on the documents match the specimen signatures obtained from the concerned metropolitan city, sub-metropolitan city, municipality or rural municipality.

DoCS is the body responsible for maintaining effective coordination with Nepali missions abroad in providing legal assistance, compensation and insurance amount to the legal heirs of Nepalis undertaking various jobs and professions in foreign countries. DoCS also coordinates with Nepali missions abroad in rescuing stranded Nepalis abroad and repatriating bodies. These tasks are performed on the basis of documents issued by the concerned local levels.

According to police, racketeers involved in producing fake government documents such as recommendation letters, citizenship certificates, driving licence, academic credentials and migration certificates, among others, are still active across the country to make a quick buck despite frequent crackdowns.

Statistics provided by Nepal Police show that 50 such rackets were busted in the past one year.