In a landmark decision for gender equality and children's rights, the Government of Nepal has implemented a crucial provision allowing children to acquire Nepali citizenship in their mother's name when the father's identity is not known. This significant policy shift addresses a long-standing legal and social hurdle for many families across the country.
Cabinet Approval and Official Gazette Notification
The provision was formally enacted after the government gave its nod to the Nepal Citizenship (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2082 BS (Bikram Samvat). The approval came through a cabinet meeting, following which the amended rules were published in the official Nepal Gazette. This publication in the Gazette is the final step that makes the rule legally binding and enforceable across Nepal.
Addressing a Critical Legal Gap
Previously, children born to single mothers or in situations where the father was absent or unacknowledged faced immense bureaucratic and legal challenges in obtaining citizenship documents. The law heavily relied on establishing paternal lineage, which often left these children in a state of legal limbo. This new amendment directly tackles this gap by providing a clear, mother-centric path to citizenship.
The rule is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children, granting them the fundamental rights and identity that come with citizenship. These rights include access to formal education, healthcare services, property ownership, and the ability to obtain official documents like passports and driver's licenses later in life.
Implications and Broader Significance
This reform is widely seen as a progressive step towards aligning Nepal's legal framework with principles of gender justice. It empowers mothers with the sole authority to secure their child's national identity, reducing dependency on establishing paternal links. For activists and human rights organizations, this marks a victory after years of advocacy for more inclusive citizenship laws in Nepal.
The move also underscores the government's responsiveness to evolving social structures and the need to protect the rights of every child, irrespective of their parental circumstances. It sets a precedent for further legal reforms aimed at ensuring equality and non-discrimination.
While the rule is now officially in effect, its successful implementation will depend on awareness campaigns and the smooth adoption of the new procedure by local administration offices across the nation. The development, dated and reported on 08 January 2026, represents a concrete shift in Nepal's approach to citizenship and family law.
