Nepal, July 7 -- Today, Nepalis can carry a government office in their pockets. The Nagarik App promises access to identity documents, PAN details, police clearance, traffic fine payments and other public services. The government is also moving towards national digital identity, citizen service portals, digital lockers and integrated data systems. In February 2026, the World Bank approved $50 million to support Nepal's digital public infrastructure and digitise public services, including an citizen service portal, an integrated social registry, a secure data exchange and a digital locker.

This is a positive change. But there is a deeper question: Can these systems actually be used safely, confidently and critically by citizens?

The digi...