Nepal Government has launched the full version of the Nagarik app at an event today. On the occasion of the fourth National ICT Day, Hon. Prime Minister KP Oli relaunched the full-fledged version of the app.
At the event, The Prime Minister virtually opened a bank account demonstrating the capabilities of the government’s highly ambitious public service delivery (e-governance) platform. Find the upgraded features, functionalities of the full version of the Nagarik app below.
At the formal event of National ICT day 2021, the Prime Minister lauded the app as one of the game-changer, in Nepal’s quest to digitize government service. He believed this app reflects the government’s zeal for Digital Nepal Framework. The app aims at rendering the public service transparent, corruption free and well-governed. He also said the digital platform will rid the public from frequenting the government offices and staying in long queues.
“Apart from building physical infrastructures, a keen attention to Information and Technology is equally essential to achieve the ‘Prosperous Nepal Happy Nepali’ goal.” The MOCIT minister further stated.
The Beta App Impressions
Minister of Communication and ICT, Mr. Parbat Gurung had launched the beta version of the Nagarik App on Magh 2 last year with a commitment to render all government services digital. Subsequently, it won approval and plaudits from the public. Even in its beta phase, the app has amassed over 500,000 downloads which is a reflection of this app’s popularity among the general public. You can download the full version of the Nagarik app or just update if you have already downloaded it.
The app initially came with features such as creating a PAN card, checking on Citizen Investment Trust Details, Employees Provident Funds, and others. Here are the beta launched features which are still there.
- PAN Registration
- Educational Documents
- Access to Local Government Information (Like Nagarpalika, Gaupalika)
- Citizen Investment Trust
- Employees Provident Fund
- Social Security Fund
- Public Service Commission
- Company Registration
The government brought some significant services in the initial app. The app allowed PAN registration online. Those subject to taxes now could apply for PAN without having to visit any government office. The app also enabled users to access information to local administrative bodies within the app.
Getting notices from Public Service Commission and checking on Social Security and Employees Provident Fund also became possible online.
Furthermore, the government has also made students’ SEE and HSEB results available on the app. Since the beta launch, the government has continuously added new services to the app.
The platform has lately included a “police clearance report” facility. Now those requiring a clean slate for various purposes can request a police clearance report online. This will spare the public from knocking on the police station for a basic paperwork.
What Are The Upgrades?
The app was launched with to a buzz last year. But the beta version did have some limitations. However, with today’s revamped app, we can expect a lot more additions. Let’s enumerate major services enlisted in the relaunched version.
1. Now Open Your Bank Account Online
The idea behind the app is not to physically visit any place for service and the Prime Minister just demonstrated that today. He virtually opened a bank account at Nepal Bank in the live event. This app now allows users to create a new bank account virtually and filling up the documents online. This is as convenient as it can get.
Right after the PM’s demo, many people also took to their own. However, there was some confusion as people received messages asking them to visit the bank for verification. But it has come to light that the banks’ automated system was sending those messages.
The banks in concern are already taking the necessary steps to synchronize their system and avert the confusion. It confirms that the app users can create their bank accounts at home or on the go with a few clicks. No need to visit the bank at all. Check out how to open a bank account online from home.
The service is currently limited to Nepal Bank, Nepal Banijya Bank, and Sidhartha Bank but the government will gradually add more banks sooner.
2. The QR Code Feature
QR Code is another prominent feature to help users with fast processing into the app. This feature will ease the users through instant KYC verification. Additionally, it will pull through instant form fill-ups of different government services. The users can also log in to the Nagarik app itself with the QR scan avoiding OTP verifications.
Read: Problem of not receiving OTP on your Mobile, Problem and Solution
The Quick Response scanner is one of the major add on these days that help us with the quick transaction of services. Its integration within the Nagarik app platform is another major upgrade that will facilitate users with multiple functionalities as well as enhancing the whole app experience on the users’ end.
3. Vehicle Tax And Renewal
With the recent upgrade, the government has added another monumental service that will allow users to pay for their vehicle taxes as well as renewal fees. The government has begun coordinating with various Transport Management Offices around the country to facilitate the services soonest.
Vehicle-related office visits are one of the hurdles many Nepalese faces every year. The long queues and the hassle-filled paper works have been one huge inconvenience to vehicle owners for years. But with this facility integration, there would be a huge relief to everyone concerned.
It is noteworthy that the government has made it mandatory for vehicle owners to pay third-party insurance is made mandatory. The users can pay all the fees online.
This is another feature many Nepalese had been waiting for as it directly impacts those with vehicles. The homework has reached an advanced stage and the government is expecting to port this service in few days.
4. Checking On Land Property On Nagarik App
The revamped app will let landowners view their land’s ownership documents (certificate) and map online. Additionally, The app will let them pay their land revenues online via the app.
The government will integrate the Department of Land Management, Survey Department, and Inland Revenue Offices into the Nagarik App system. The service is set to be ready in a few days.
5. Paying Local Government Taxes
The app now lets the public receive recommendation lets as well as pay their local government tax from the app within few clicks. The public can save their time from this service as they do not have to frequent the local administration to acquire the service.
A Note For You!
Be careful though. A lot of people have complained that they were not able to log in to the app. But it may be down an issue with your contact number, or your citizenship has not been updated to the Nagarik app server. It is necessary that the number you use for the sign-up requires it to be registered under your own name. Find how to check if the sim card is registered in your name and change it.
Verdict
Nagarik App is the first of its kind that has tried to render public services digital. Today at the event Prime Minister, KP Oli said that the app “integrate virtually every government services within it to facilitate a smooth experience for the public.”
The Prime Minister also said that he expects the app to be the harbinger of “a revolution for government service” in the coming years.
Nagarik App is a flagship milestone that perfectly complements the Digital Nepal Framework. The government will incorporate more features to offer the public convenient government service experiences and bridge the gap between the public and the government itself. We can only hope for the best in the future.
We believe this app is one step ahead for easy public services and good governance, making people’s lives better.Also, we can expect Nagarik app to bring transparency, efficiency, and accountability. We believe that the use of digital technology can only realize our dream of prosperity.
What do you think of the Nagarik App’s new version? What features would you want to be added to it? Let us know in the comments section below.
