MYAGDI, June 3: Soniya Budha of Darwang in Malika Rural municipality-6 of Myagdi district had to go through a lot of difficulties in lack of citizenship certificate. She was brought up by her mother alone since her father went out of contact. She completed her higher secondary education (10+2) from Janapriya Secondary School, Darwang. As she didn't want her citizenship to be an obstruction for her job, education or any other future endeavors, she requested her mother Jalamaya Budha to make some efforts to get her a citizenship during a visit of the citizenship distribution team of the government.

As Jalmaya was trying really hard to get a citizenship for her daughter, her efforts caught the attention of the officials of the District Administration Office (DAO) who were present at a recent mobile camp organized in her village to help facilitate the locals to obtain various government services.

Two years ago, Jalmaya had managed to get citizenship for her elder daughter Srijana through her name after much struggle. After furnishing her citizenship along with her elder daughter Srijana's citizenship as a precedent, her younger daughter was easily provided with citizenship.

"Still, many people are unaware that it's not compulsory to obtained citizenship from father's name," said ward chief Santanath Jaisi of Malika-6, adding, "It can be obtained in the name of mother too."

Speaking at the camp, ward chief Jaisi informed that anyone who can furnish the required legal documents can obtain citizenship. Jalmaya, who has been living in Darwang since decades, was glad that both of her daughters got citizenship through decent from her name.

"Citizenship is an essential document which can be required at anytime," said Jalmaya. She recalls how difficult it was for her to get a citizenship certificate for her elder daughter.

"Earlier, the presence of husband was mandatory for obtaining citizenship of children. Fortunately, we don't have to go through that hassle anymore," she added.

Soniya says that her citizenship has opened the doors of opportunities for her. Chief District Officer (CDO) of Myagdi, Liladhar Acharya, said getting a citizenship in the name of mother is no more a big deal if the person meets all the legal requirements.

Meanwhile, Kharmaya Bitalu, vice-chairperson of Malika Rural Municipality, stated that no person should be barred from getting a citizenship if they submit all the required documents either in the name of mother or father. "No person will have to miss any kind of opportunities in life in lack of citizenship," she said.

The camp was organized by DAO in coordination with the local unit to provide the services of various government offices at different villages. Most of the service seekers were there for obtaining citizenship.

Caption: Soniya Budha of Malika-6 receiving her citizenship from Chief District Officer Liladhar Acharya.

 
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