KATHMANDU: The Nepalese government has proposed mandatory requirements for the usage of National ID cards or their numbers in different public services throughout all 77 districts, beginning July 16, 2024. This program seeks to simplify procedures and eliminate duplication in services such as personal income tax payment, driver's license registration, and company registration and renewal.

According to Acting Secretary Jhakka Prasad Acharya of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the implementation will proceed in phases. Beginning January 14, 2025, the National ID card or its number will be mandatory for services related to bank and financial institutions, telephone and SIM card registration, social security fund transactions, and real estate business across all districts.

Furthermore, specific districts like Solukhumbu, Rasuwa, Manang, Mustang, Kalikot, Mugu, Humla, Dolpa, Bajhang, Bajura, and Darchula will start requiring the National ID number from July 16, 2025, for accessing services related to social security, health insurance, and pensions. In a later phase, starting from the same date, the requirement will extend to 38 districts, including Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, and others, for similar services.

Yubaraj Katel, Director General and Joint Secretary of the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR) emphasized that this move is intended to enhance the utility of the National ID card system and prevent misuse of social security allowances. He highlighted that over 17 million people across Nepal have already obtained their National ID numbers, minimizing potential inconvenience during the transition to mandatory usage.

In preparation for the phased rollout, the Ministry plans to deploy over 400 additional employees to assist with the process in the initial 28 designated districts. Katel also noted that the current requirement for a National ID card or number when obtaining a passport has set a precedent that the government expects will facilitate smoother adoption of social security and other services.

The first phase of implementation, effective July 16, 2024, will cover districts such as Jhapa, Rautahat, Rupandehi, Morang, Sarlahi, and Kathmandu, among others, for services including social security, health insurance, and pensions. Additional districts will follow suit in subsequent phases, ensuring nationwide compliance with the new regulations aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and transparency.