Over 8,500 people apply for National ID in Humla

By Our Correspondent,Humla, Feb. 4: More than 8,500 people in the remote Himalayan district of Humla have submitted applications for National Identity cards through the District Administration Office. 

The rising number of applications is driven by the increasing necessity of the identity number for official and essential purposes after the local, provincial and federal governments started making it compulsory in essential services.

According to Chief District Officer Narayan Pandey, a total of 8,576 individuals have applied for the national identity cards so far. Among them, 2,350 identity cards have arrived at the district office while 718 people have collected their cards. However, 1,632 identity cards are still awaiting collection, he said. 

CDO Pandey has urged applicants whose cards have arrived to visit the office and collect them. He also noted that many people were not showing much interest in collecting their cards, as they only need the identity number for official procedures. 

Additionally, the challenging geography of Humla makes it difficult for people from remote villages to travel to the district headquarters in Simkot, which can take up to two days.

The distribution of the national ID began in 2018. After submitting their personal details at the District Administration Office, applicants typically receive their identity cards within one to two years. 

The process also allows applicants to register from other districts, and the identity cards can be collected from the same district where the details were originally submitted.

Humla district has a population of over 55,000, people and efforts are ongoing to ensure all eligible residents receive their National Identity cards.