An 80-year-old senior citizen, Masini Majhi, from Mahalakshmi Municipality-5, has been deprived of social security allowance due to lacking a Nepali citizenship certificate. Despite 35 years having passed since the death of her husband, she remains unable to claim the allowance due to her lack of citizenship. For the past 20 years, she has been residing in the house of Keshav Shrestha in Rambajar, Leguwa, Mahalakshmi Municipality-5. Keshav Shrestha mentioned that Masini Majhi was unaware that she needed to obtain a citizenship certificate. Shrestha’s family has sheltered her, offering her a house built after the earthquake. Along with caring for the house, Majhi has been helping Shrestha’s family with household chores and cleaning. Masini Majhi is unable to speak but can move around. Although she has five children, they live separately, with all of them residing in Leguwa. Keshav Shrestha mentioned that her family members have shown no interest in helping her obtain a citizenship certificate. According to Shrestha, she has never ridden in a vehicle and refuses to do so. Shrestha noted that Masini Majhi refused to be taken to the ward office by reserving an auto tempo. Majhi has never worn slippers and has been walking barefoot, refusing to put them on when offered. Shrestha expressed to the Inseconline team that he had heard the government provides citizenship to senior citizens with disabilities at home. He requested assistance in facilitating the process if it is possible to obtain citizenship at home by submitting the necessary documents.
Ward chairperson Santabahadur Kunwar of Mahalakshmi Municipality-5 stated that they are currently gathering the necessary documents for the citizenship recommendation. Likewise, the Chief District Officer of Dhankuta, Punhyavikram Paudel, stated that they will understand the legal provisions regarding the issue of deprivation of citizenship and seek solutions by discussing the matter with local authorities, ministries, and other stakeholders. He also urged Inseconline team members to provide necessary facilitation.
Part 2, Articles 10 to 15 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, addresses provisions related to citizenship. Article 10 of the Constitution of Nepal states that no Nepali citizen shall be deprived of the right to obtain Nepali citizenship.
