Kathmandu: The government has introduced exemptions allowing children, persons with disabilities, the helpless, and citizens above 90 years of age to access essential services even without a national identity card.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the decision during a House of Representatives meeting on Monday, stating that the move aims to prevent barriers in service access for vulnerable groups.
The government had recently mandated the use of a national identity card for all public services.
The policy, enforced in phases since July 16, 2024, initially applied to social security allowance renewals in 28 districts, later expanding to 38 more districts in January 2025. From July 17, 2025, the requirement will cover all 77 districts.
Despite the nationwide mandate, Minister Lekhak emphasized that the exemption ensures no citizen is deprived of essential services due to the lack of a national identity card.