Kathmandu, July 25 -- The government has decided to procure 10 million Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) units from the French firm IN Groupe, the parent company of IDEMIA, for the Department of National Identity and Civil Registration without competitive bidding.

The Balendra Shah-led Cabinet, in its June 12 meeting, decided to procure the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) through a government-to-government agreement and direct purchase from the French company, based on a proposal submitted by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the Cabinet decision, out of the 10 million units, 1.5 million will be procured directly from the company and the rest of...