President Paudel issues ordinance allowing government to collectively declare deaths of persons missing in disasters
Summary
President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued an ordinance allowing the government to collectively declare missing disaster victims dead, streamlining death registration for families affected by disasters such as the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood. The ordinance also amends identity card and registration laws, giving local officials authority to report deaths and removing late fees for registering disaster-related deaths.
Key Points
- President Ram Chandra Paudel issued the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Relating to Disaster, 2026, on the government's recommendation.
- The ordinance allows the Government of Nepal to declare missing disaster victims dead after recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority executive committee and a seven-day public claim period.
- The government also amended the National Identity Card and Registration Act to let ward chairpersons and local leaders report deaths when no guardian or relative is available.
- Late fees will not be charged for registering deaths of people killed by disasters or declared dead through the new process.
