All registration services, including NID, to come under one umbrella soon

The government is set to establish a new independent commission named Civil Registration Commission to oversee all citizen registration services, including National Identity (NID) and birth registrations, according to officials concerned.

A draft ordinance – the Civil Registration (Commission), 2025 – has been formulated to this end. The initial meeting of an inter-ministerial committee for examining and providing opinions on the draft law took place on Monday (3 March), officials familiar with the matter confirmed today (4 March).

According to meeting sources, the functions of the commission mentioned in the draft law include overall coordination and development of the existing civil registration system by including birth, death, marriage, divorce and adoption registration of citizens and determination of cause of death, migration, healthcare and education data.

Besides, the commission will be responsible for conducting national identity registration activities, preparation, distribution and maintenance of identity cards and performing all related responsibilities.

It will also be responsible for the modernisation of integrated service delivery management based on unique ID, CRVS enterprise architecture, interoperability standards, and citizen core data structure.

Currently, the Election Commission manages NID services, while birth registration falls under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives.

Speaking to journalists today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said NID services should remain under the EC's jurisdiction.

"We have maintained this position since the reform commission's report publication. It is a by-product of voter registration, and it should stay within our jurisdiction," he said.

He further stated that the government would make a well-considered decision, and the EC has already expressed its opinion in the initial meeting. "The commission will also submit its official stance in writing once they receive the meeting minutes."

When asked whether the government should have consulted the EC before drafting the new law, the CEC pointed out that a previous attempt to transfer NID to the home ministry had failed after discussions with the government.

"This is a significant decision. Voter registration is ongoing, thousands of staff are working, and we are preparing for the upcoming national elections. I don't think such a major change will be rushed without careful consideration," he added.