NRB Directs Banks to Launch Mandatory Disability-Friendly and Inclusive Services

Nepal Rastra Bank has introduced new measures requiring banks and financial institutions to make their services more accessible for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and illiterate customers. Banks have been instructed to provide priority services through dedicated counters and ensure that at least one branch in every local level is disability-friendly. The central bank also asked institutions to publicly share details of these branches through their websites. Under the new directive, banks must install disability-friendly ATMs with Braille buttons and audio support, while also improving mobile banking apps and websites for visually impaired users. NRB further stated that customers unable to independently use digital banking services should receive necessary assistance from banks. Alongside customer-focused reforms, the central bank has also warned institutions against forcing employees to work beyond office hours without proper overtime benefits.