Woman with Disability Granted citizenship at the age of 70 years

  September 7, 2023 By: INSEC

The Constitution of Nepal, 2072, in Part 2, from Article 10 to Article 15, encompasses provisions pertaining to citizenship.

Article 10 of the Constitution stipulates that no Nepali citizen shall be deprived of their right to obtain Nepali citizenship.

Photo 20230707 Solu

In accordance with this constitutional provision, Khagimaya Rai, a 70-year-old individual with a disability hailing from Mapyadudhkoshi Rural Municipality-7, was granted Nepali citizenship on September 5. Khagimaya Rai had faced challenges in obtaining citizenship due to her parental loss during her minority years. Sagujit Rai, the Ward President of Mapyadudhkoshi Rural Municipality-7, explained that Khagimaya had been unable to secure citizenship until she reached the age of 70.

Saroj Aryal, the Assistant Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, confirmed that citizenship was granted to Khagimaya Rai. This decision was made as a result of the ward president’s initiative, recognizing Khagimaya’s dire financial circumstances and physical disability.

With her newly acquired certificate of Nepalese citizenship, Khagimaya is now eligible to receive social security benefits from the state, including old age allowance and disability allowance.

Khagimaya’s parents unfortunately passed away when she was still a minor. Sagujit Rai, the Ward President of Mapyadudhkoshi Rural Municipality-7, explained that due to this unfortunate circumstance, Khagimaya faced significant challenges in obtaining Nepali citizenship, which could only be secured when she reached the age of 70.

Saroj Aryal, the Assistant Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, noted that Khagimaya Rai’s citizenship was granted in recognition of her difficult financial situation and physical disability. This significant development occurred as a result of the proactive efforts and initiative taken by the ward president.

With her newly acquired certificate of Nepalese citizenship, Khagimaya now qualifies for various social security benefits provided by the state, including old age allowances and disability allowances.


Anju Karki