PM Oli sees need of serious discussions on issue of dual citizenship

Kathmandu, Oct 9: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council has handed over a cheque of Rs 5.1 million to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to be deposited in the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.     

A deputation of the NRNA including its president Dr Badri KC handed the amount to the Prime Minister amidst a ceremony held at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar today.     

On the occasion, NRNA president Dr KC said that they were grieved by the news of recent landslide, flooding and inundation, adding that besides the monetary contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund, they have been providing relief assistance worth Rs 10 million in the affected areas.     

According to him, although they have been provided with the 'NRNA citizenship' there is problem in using it for the economic and social works.     

Prime Minister Oli thanked the NRNA for providing humanitarian assistance at the time of disaster.     

He said although it is a given that 'once a Nepali, always a Nepali', one cannot use the political rights in Nepal after acquiring foreign nationality, pointing out to the need of a serious discussions for addressing the problem to do with the dual citizenship.     

Stating that he had been advocating for the role of the NRNs in Nepal's prosperity well before the inception of the NRNA, PM Oli urged the NRNA not to include those Nepalis who have gone abroad on foreign employment in the NRN definition.     

He suggested taking ahead the NRNA as a common organisation of the non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) and not on a political basis.     

Similarly, Chairman of the Vidyut Utpadan Company Limited (VUCL), Suresh Acharya handed over Rs 646 thousand and 500 on behalf the company and its employees while the Nepal Insurance Company, India Rs 1 million to the PM Disaster Relief Fund today. (RSS)