Kathmandu, Feb. 4 -- The dispute over the multi-billion passport tender issued by the Department of Passports (DoP) continues as some international bidders have sought more time to submit their documents.

They have demanded the removal of provisions related to offering discounts and counter-discounts by bidders, as well as certain other controversial clauses.

Passport tenders have repeatedly been mired in controversy since 2009-10 due to the government's failure to adapt to new challenges, vested interests, the competitive bidding process, and the adoption of new technology, among other reasons.

At a time when some bidders are calling for a transparent bidding process and a level-playing field for all participants, the DoP is under pre...