National ID cards to be distributed in Chitwan this fiscal year

Published On: May 16, 2019 02:32 PM NPT By: Sabita Shrestha

CHITWAN, May 16: Preparations are underway to start the distribution of the National Identity Cards in Chitwan within this fiscal year.

The details of people will be collected till mid-June and the distribution of ID cards will start within this fiscal year, according to Deepak Kafle, Director General of the National ID Card and Civil Registration Department (NIDCCRD). In the first phase, six computer operators of the District Administration Office (DAO), Chitwan, will collect the details of the people.

Locals will have to provide their name, surname, and parent's name among other details for the ID card. Not just that, they will have to give biometrics of their fingers along with their photos. The digital card will have a chip in it. The government had planned to distribute the National ID cards in 15 districts within the current fiscal year.

The distribution of such cards first began from Panchthar district last year. As informed by the Director General Kafle, some 60,000 people have been provided with the National ID cards in Panchthar. The government is willing to distribute such cards in 25 more districts in the next fiscal year.

"This is a modern digital card which will have a separate identification number for each person," said Kafle, adding, "This will help people get various government services within a swipe of the card."

More than 100 countries have already adopted this medium. However, people are yet to learn about the use of the card.

Director General Kafle further informed that discussions are being held to decide whether foreigners should be provided with such cards or not. Experts argue that the distribution of such cards to tourists will help the country track the visitors who stay in Nepal for more than six months.

"During the discussion, we have received different suggestions," said Kafle, adding, "We will soon forward these suggestions to the decision makers." NIDCCRD on Tuesday held a discussion in Sauraha with the local representatives, elderly people, hotel entrepreneurs and various other stakeholders. Many of the participants advised the department to make proper preparations before the distribution of national ID cards to avoid any hassles.