The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has circulated the “Guidelines on Application Forms Used in Government Offices and Their Implementation, 2083” to ministries, commissions, secretariats, provincial governments and local levels. The guideline seeks to replace different application formats used for similar public services with standardized, simple and citizen-friendly forms. It aims to reduce the time, effort and cost required to access government services while improving transparency, consistency, good governance and the use of information technology.
Under the guideline, every government office must prepare a separate application form for each public service it provides. Forms should be simple, clear and primarily in Nepali, with English versions where necessary, and should include key information such as applicant details, the service requested, required declarations, date, signature and supporting documents. Offices must prepare service lists, approve the forms through the office chief and publish them on notice boards and websites within seven days of the guideline taking effect. Standard forms must be provided free of charge, while digital access should be expanded through websites, QR codes, downloadable forms, electronic forms and online submission systems.
The guideline also requires government offices to establish a service facilitation desk to help citizens prepare applications, complete forms and understand required documents, with such assistance provided free of charge. Offices should introduce self-service facilities using computers, tablets or digital kiosks where possible. It also prohibits unauthorized brokers or intermediaries from operating inside or around government offices and bars employees from directing service seekers to specific private individuals or service providers.
Office chiefs will be responsible for implementation and regular review, while the National Vigilance Centre and designated monitoring authorities may inspect offices, test electronic systems, review complaints and assess public feedback. Offices must submit progress reports every three months, and officials or institutions that fail to implement the guideline may face action under existing laws, while those demonstrating exemplary performance may be recognized or rewarded.
