No social security allowance without citizenship, says Minister Sudi

KATHMANDU: Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, has clarified that individuals without a citizenship certificate are not eligible to receive social security allowances.

Responding to questions raised by lawmakers during Monday’s session of the House of Representatives, Minister Sudi cited legal provisions under the Social Security Act, 2075 and Social Security Regulation, 2076.

According to him, except for children, eligible beneficiaries must submit an application along with a copy of their citizenship certificate in the prescribed format at their respective ward office to claim the allowance.

“There is a clear legal provision that individuals without a citizenship certificate cannot receive social security allowances,” he said. “Our ministry does not issue citizenship certificates — we only disseminate information. Citizenship is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Chief District Officer’s (CDO) office.”

Minister Sudi emphasized that only those who possess a valid citizenship certificate will be issued a social security card.

He also stated that national and international non-governmental organizations wishing to operate programs in Nepal must submit their project proposals to the Social Welfare Council in the prescribed format.