Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli released a full version of the Nagarik app on May 3. The application was launched on the occasion of the fourth National ICT day. Pm Oli displayed the app’s features at an event, and he opened a bank account virtually.
The beta version – released on 16 January – had many issues and only had 50 percent of services. However, after the upgrades, people can use it for most works, which could replace the hassle of carrying documents.
The prime minister believes that this app will digitize the administrative works – and further expands the horizon for information technology in Nepal. In addition, he said, “Apart from constructing Infrastructures, the technological sector should also be equally developed.” The use of the app will enhance prime minister Oli’s dream of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”
Features of Nagarik App
Opening Bank Account – Online
The prime minister himself opened a bank account through the Nagarik app at the launch event. The process is convenient – and entirely virtual. Citizens will not have trouble anymore carrying loads of documents. People can upload the documents online.
However, there were some confusions regarding this process. While creating an account, there were messages forwarded requesting to visit the bank. But the texts were sent through automated software of the bank.
This feature is only available for limited banks; Siddartha, Nepal, and Rashtriya Banijya, and will be available for more soon.
Paying, Renewing Vehicle Tax and Insurance
There is a saying, “There are fewer people in Jatra than in the queue of Transport Management office.” The obstacles for people to reach out in the offices and wait for a whole day to pay tax will be sorted out through this app.
The mandatory rule of paying insurance fees to third-party in the office – is also a big challenge during the end of the fiscal year. The vehicle owners, now, will use their fingers and pay the fees.
QR Code
OTP verifications are quite disturbing while filling up the forms. The texts are used while submitting data in the records. But there is a new feature added in the Nagarik app – the QR code – which replaces OTP.
Further, through the help of this feature, each people will get a unique QR code which will be beneficial for multiple tasks. Additionally, it can perform quick transactions. The code will be provided through long steps of KYC verifications.
Land Property Check
Citizens can check their land ownership documents – Lalpurja – online. Furthermore, the detailed map can also be downloaded via the Nagarik app. Besides, people can also pay their land revenue online.
In addition, the government had released a website called ‘Mero Kitta’, which lets one download and print the map of their house/land. The Nagarik app will redirect this feature in Mero Kitta.
Additional Features
- Paying Local Government Taxes
- PAN Registration
- Information of Local Government (Municipality, Rural Municipality)
- Citizen Investment Trust
- Employees Provident Fund
- Public Service Commission
- Company Registration
- Passport
- Voter Card
- Citizenship Details
- Education Certificate
Finally…
The Nagarik app is announced not only for the convenience of people but also for the transparency of administrative works. Nepal is one of the corrupt nations, according to Transparency International. After the use of this application, Nepalis can hope that it will bring efficiency and transparency.
Furthermore, in the era of technology, the step to digitalize Government related works is also praiseworthy. However, the authorities also should not forget that security is also a big issue. Hackers can target this app and extract every detail of citizens. Despite there are lapses and loopholes in every application and website; the Government should work on that too.
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