Nepal: National ID Card Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Author: Sarita Lamichhane
Published: 2025/02/26 - Updated: 2025/03/02
Publication Type: Announcement
Topic: Events / Public Notices - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: Research validation program on national id card accessibility for persons with disabilities in Nepal.
Why it matters: This announcement details a research validation program in Nepal addressing the challenges persons with disabilities face in obtaining national ID cards. Moderated by Ms. Sarita Lamichhane, Chairperson of Prayatna Nepal, the event gathered 40 participants from media, government, international NGOs, and organizations of persons with disabilities. Key issues highlighted include a lack of awareness about the application process, difficulties in accessing necessary documents, financial burdens from late fees, and the need for an inclusive registration system. The program emphasized collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between policy and practice, aiming to make the national ID registration process more accessible for all citizens - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Program Overview
The program was moderated by Ms. Sarita Lamichhane, Chairperson of Prayatna Nepal. A total of 40 participants attended, representing various sectors, including media, government authorities, international NGOs, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and other NGOs in Nepal.
Main Item
Key Highlights
During the objective-sharing session, Ms. Sarita Lamichhane emphasized that although Nepal has a separate act on national ID registration (2076 B.S.), which includes provisions to facilitate accessibility, there remains a significant gap in its implementation. The act mandates that all citizens must apply for their national ID card within two years of its implementation. After this period, individuals can still apply but are required to pay a late submission fee.
Informal discussions with groups of visually impaired individuals revealed that many were unaware of this requirement and had not applied for their national ID card. This highlights a serious gap between policy formulation and implementation. Ms. Lamichhane stressed that instead of addressing the issue superficially, organizations working in this area must recognize the need for comprehensive research on the obstacles persons with disabilities face in obtaining their national ID cards. The research, titled Exploring the Obstacles to Accessing National Identity Cards for Individuals with Visual Impairments, aims to bridge this implementation gap.
Ms. Lamichhane clarified that the validation program was not merely about criticizing government authorities but rather about fostering multi-stakeholder engagement to raise awareness of the available facilities and provisions provided by the Nepal government.
Presentation by Research Expert
Mr. Nara Kumar Chauhan, a research expert, presented key findings from the study. He highlighted the following issues:
- Lack of awareness among persons with disabilities regarding the national ID card application process.
- Challenges in accessing the required documents and navigating the application procedures.
- The financial burden of late submission fees, which disproportionately affects individuals with disabilities.
- The need for a more inclusive and accessible registration process.
In his speech, General Secretary of the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal said;
"The process of obtaining a national identity card remains challenging for persons with disabilities due to inaccessible infrastructure, biometric verification difficulties, and a lack of trained staff. While some improvements have been made, government offices still lack ramps, elevators, and alternative authentication methods for those unable to provide fingerprints or signatures. To address these barriers, we need trained personnel at registration centers, accessible online systems, and mobile registration units for those unable to visit government offices. An inclusive national identity system is crucial for ensuring equal access to government services, and through collaboration, we can make this process truly accessible for all."
The validation program provided a platform for meaningful discussion on the challenges related to national ID card accessibility for persons with disabilities. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing these barriers through targeted policy interventions, improved awareness campaigns, and comprehensive research. The insights gathered during the program will be incorporated into the final research report to advocate for a more inclusive national ID registration process in Nepal.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: This initiative underscores the critical need for inclusive policies that translate into actionable practices. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the program not only sheds light on existing barriers but also fosters a collaborative environment to develop sustainable solutions. Nepal's push for a national ID system is more than just bureaucracy - it's a bold step toward knitting a scattered population into a unified framework. The idea of a single card tying people to services and rights is a quiet revolution worth watching. For those with disabilities or the elderly, it could mean less hassle and more access, but only if Nepal gets the execution right. Other nations might take notes: ensuring that all citizens, regardless of ability, can access essential identification documents is a fundamental step toward equitable participation in societal affairs - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Sarita Lamichhane and published on 2025/02/26, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Sarita Lamichhane can be contacted at prayatnanepal.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.