KATHMANDU, May 27: Citizenship-less Struggle Committee organized a protest at Maitighar Mandala in the capital on Saturday demanding President Ram Chandra Paudel to certify the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2079 BS that was approved by both the houses of federal parliament but put on hold by the former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

As per the existing constitutional provision, the President is required to certify a bill within 15 days if it is passed by the Parliament twice, with or without any changes. However, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari failed to authenticate the bill within the designated 15-day period.

The Citizenship amendment bill was submitted to the President Bhandari for authentication on September 5. Initially, when the Parliament passed the bill and sent it to President Bhandari, she returned it, citing certain legal concerns that she wished to be discussed and revised by the House.

However, the Parliament proceeded to pass the bill without making any alterations and resubmitted it to the President for her approval. President Bhandari neither returned the bill nor granted her approval, which has raised constitutional implications.

Due to the absence of a new citizenship law, numerous individuals, including children of citizens by birth, children of single mothers, and children of Nepali mothers whose fathers cannot be located, are facing difficulties in obtaining Nepali citizenship.

In Nepal, possessing citizenship is a prerequisite for accessing government services. Without citizenship, individuals are unable to purchase a SIM card, open a bank account, or obtain a driving license.

Here are some photos of the protest taken by Republica’s photojournalist Prasan Gurung.

 
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