KATHMANDU, May 9: The government is preparing to launch an integrated digital data collection system aimed at addressing the problems of landless squatters and unmanaged settlers in the Kathmandu Valley.
The initiative, being led by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, is currently in its final preparation stage, according to the secretariat of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Under the first phase of the campaign, authorities will collect details of landless squatters and unmanaged settlers living inside and outside designated holding centres in Kathmandu. The government plans to gradually expand the process to other districts across the country.
Two-day Huawei Digital Nepal Conclave 2022
For those residing outside the holding centres, the government is preparing to issue a public notice asking them to appear within a specified timeframe with the necessary documents.
To streamline the process, applicants will be categorized into three groups: those possessing national identity cards, those with only citizenship certificates, and those without any identification documents.
For individuals lacking identification papers, the government plans to establish joint service desks at holding centres to facilitate the immediate issuance of national identity cards. Officials said the arrangement aims to ensure that no genuine landless person is excluded from the process due to lack of identification.
The new digital system will record not only personal and family details, but also socio-economic status, income sources, educational qualifications, and skills of applicants. The biometric and photo-based data will be cross-checked with other government systems to verify the authenticity of beneficiaries.
Each participating family will receive a digital identity card. The government also plans to open bank accounts for families without one, allowing relief funds and government subsidies to be transferred directly to beneficiaries.
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the campaign is being implemented under Point No. 91 of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda.
The government also aims to link the database with employment, entrepreneurship, and social security programmes. Officials believe the system will help implement targeted welfare programmes based on sensitive indicators such as health conditions, chronic illnesses, and pregnancy status of family members.
-1778309205.webp)
