Kathmandu – The House of Representatives today endorsed, by majority, the proposal to consider the National Assembly’s amendments to the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081. The proposal was presented by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

The bill was first registered in the House on Magh 15, 2081. A general discussion was held on Falgun 5, and later on Chaitra 18 it was referred to the committee for clause-wise deliberation. The committee’s report was tabled in the House on Asar 5, and it was passed on Asar 14. The National Assembly passed it with amendments on Bhadra 6 and sent it back.

Responding to lawmakers’ concerns, Minister Lekhak said the government has brought forward several bills aimed at making services more accessible to citizens. He expressed satisfaction that citizenship rights, guaranteed by the constitution, were given priority in parliamentary discussion.

The bill introduces provisions allowing citizenship through the mother’s name, including cases where the father’s identity is not established. Lekhak described this as a historic departure. Other key provisions include granting citizenship to children born abroad, allowing citizenship in the mother’s name only, and simplifying the application process.

According to him, the bill ensures no citizen is deprived of their right to citizenship. It also provides citizenship to children of those who acquired it by birth. He assured that the self-declaration provision would not be misused and that the bill would soon be implemented.

The minister emphasized that non-Nepalis will not be granted citizenship, while Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) will be provided citizenship and specific economic and cultural rights through a separate law, to be introduced in Parliament soon.