KATHMANDU, AUGUST 11
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that the Bill to amend the Citizenship Act, 2063 BS (2006), seeks to recognize the mother as a primary legal guardian of a child, granting her the authority to independently declare and assume responsibility for the child.
Responding to concerns raised during the theoretical discussions on the Nepal Citizenship Bill, 2081 BS, at the Legislation Management Committee under the National Assembly today, the Minister said, "The objective of the Bill is to ensure that a mother has the full right to pass on citizenship to her child, provided she declares that the father cannot be presented."
He clarified that the provision does not intend to grant rights exclusively to mothers. "If a mother's declaration is found to be false, the Bill includes provisions for legal investigation and penalties," he added.
The Minister emphasized that the lack of citizenship has created serious obstacles for many children, particularly in pursuing education and career opportunities.
On the matter of naturalized Nepali citizenship, the Bill requires a mother's declaration affirming that her child has not acquired foreign citizenship based on the father's nationality. Under the current law, only the applicant for naturalized citizenship is required to make such a declaration.
Presently, the provision states: "A child born to a Nepali female citizen through marriage with a foreign citizen, who is permanently residing in Nepal, may be granted naturalized citizenship as prescribed, provided the child has not acquired foreign citizenship through the father."
The proposed amendment also stipulates that a child may obtain citizenship in the mother's name if the father is deceased, refuses to assist in the citizenship process, or is married to another person. "We have simplified the procedures for transferring citizenship in the mother's name," Minister Lekhak noted.
He further reminded the committee of the Supreme Court's directive to the government concerning the issuance of citizenship in the mother's name.
(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)
