Ishwar Khanal

Kathmandu, April 2:

The government is all set to computerise the process of issuing citizenship certificates in seven more districts by July 15.

While Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur have already computerised the process since four months ago, seven more districts — Jhapa, Dhankuta, Parsa, Kaski, Rupendehi, Banke and Kanchanpur — are set to introduce the modern technology.

“This will ensure prompt services and encourage people from acquiring citizenship,” under-secretary at the Home Ministry, Ganesh Rai, said. The number of people who have already taken the certificate stands at over 12.51 million with the total population put at over 23 million. Eligible age for acquiring the certificate is 16 years or above. So far, over 12 million have taken citizenship papers as descendants, while 54,000 have taken the same by birth.

However, acquiring citizenship under “by-birth” clause has dropped since 1980. Meanwhile, 147,000 females have acquired naturalised citizenship certificate after entering wedlock with Nepali citizens.

The issue of awarding naturalised citizenship and honourary citizen is handled by the Ministry of Home. The only person who has been awarded honourary citizenship is Sir Edmund Hillary.