NRB Directs Banks to Provide Special Facilities for Senior Citizens and PWDs

Kathmandu / May 23: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has instructed banks and financial institutions to ensure accessible and priority banking services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals with limited literacy.

Issuing an integrated directive to Class A, B, and C banks and financial institutions, the central bank has mandated the establishment of dedicated service counters to facilitate easier access for these groups.

Under the new provision, licensed financial institutions must collaborate to ensure that at least one branch in every local government area is made disability-friendly. Details of such branches must also be published on their official websites.

NRB further stated that locations with ATM lounges must provide at least one disability-friendly ATM equipped with Braille instructions and audio assistance. Information regarding these facilities must also be made publicly available through the institutions’ websites.

The directive states that persons with disabilities who self-declare their ability to independently use financial services—including ATMs, mobile banking, and internet banking—must be granted access to such services by licensed institutions.

Banks and financial institutions are also required to develop websites and mobile banking applications that are accessible to persons with visual impairments. Similarly, credit and debit cards must incorporate technologies designed to support visually impaired users.

Additionally, the integrated directive requires institutions to provide extra compensation in accordance with prevailing laws when employees are assigned work beyond regular office hours.

The directive also emphasizes that employees cannot be compelled to work beyond official working hours and should not be forced to perform overtime duties. RSS