Communications Ministry gears up for driving licenses printing

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal is preparing to print driving licenses within the country through the Security Printing Center.

An informal agreement on the matter was reached during a discussion among key government officials.

The meeting involved Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, and Executive Director of the Security Printing Center Devaraj Dhungana.

Also present were Communications Secretary Radhika Aryal, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Keshav Kumar Sharma, and other officials.

Minister Gurung emphasized the importance of printing driving licenses domestically, stating that the ministry is committed to ensuring the availability of technical expertise and human resources to support this initiative. “Operating the printing center regularly is one of our top priorities. We will begin the printing process soon and are making the necessary technical and physical preparations,” he said.

He added that printing essential national documents within the country contributes to national pride, sovereignty, and job creation. The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and enhance domestic revenue.

Transport Minister Dahal expressed his support, saying that such important and innovative steps by the government will instill public trust and optimism.

He pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Communications to sign a formal agreement with the Security Printing Center as soon as possible.

Communications Secretary and Chairperson of the Security Printing Center Radhika Aryal stated that the ministry has concluded that the center is capable of printing driving licenses. Executive Director Dhungana mentioned that the outcomes of the discussion will be presented to the board of directors, after which a formal agreement will be signed and a printing schedule determined. “The discussion was preliminary, and the exact date for starting the printing has not yet been decided,” he clarified.

The center is reportedly capable of printing around 3 million licenses.

The institution had been largely inactive since a corruption case was filed two years ago against former Executive Director Bikal Paudel and eight others.

The center lacked leadership until Dhungana was appointed to revitalize operations.

Minister Gurung highlighted the need to modernize the printing facility and manage staffing effectively.

He reiterated that national documents such as stamps, passports, and national ID cards should be printed within Nepal to strengthen the country’s revenue and reduce dependence on foreign printing services.

He concluded by stating that a formal agreement will be signed with the Ministry of Transport and the center within a day or two, and the license printing process will begin within this year.