G2G fuel import, direct procurement of e-passport materials get govt nod
Both recommendations will now move forward for final approval by the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase
The Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs today (22 October) recommended two major proposals for policy approval, including the import of refined fuel oil through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement for 2026 and the direct procurement of e-passport materials.
The meeting of the committee, held at the Secretariat, was virtually chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.
The proposals came from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and the home affairs ministry, respectively.
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Under the first proposal, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division sought policy approval for the purchase and import of refined fuel oil under the direct purchase method through G2G arrangements for the period of January to December 2026.
After reviewing the submission, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, recognising the importance of ensuring a stable supply of fuel to meet the country's energy demands.
The proposal sought policy approval for the direct contracting method to procure one crore e-passport raw materials – extendable up to 50 lakh additional raw materials in emergencies – alongside 57 lakh e-passport booklets and associated training packages.
After detailed discussions, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, citing the project's strategic importance in maintaining the continuity of e-passport issuance and enhancing border management efficiency.
Both recommendations will now move forward for final approval by the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase.
