Kathmandu-The Nepal Rastra Bank has introduced new regulations aimed at protecting the working hours, rights, and welfare of employees in banks and financial institutions across Nepal.

Under the new directive, banks and financial institutions must provide overtime pay in accordance with prevailing labour laws if employees are required to work beyond approved office hours. The central bank has also clearly stated that employees cannot be forced to work outside official hours under any excuse.

Issued under Section 79 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002, the directive is immediately applicable to all licensed Class A, B, and C financial institutions. The central bank emphasised that banks must operate within the limits of existing laws and regulatory instructions while managing employees and workplace practices.

In addition to labour-related reforms, the new directive focuses on improving financial accessibility for persons with disabilities. Banks are now required to establish at least one disability-friendly branch in every local level and publish details of those branches on their official websites.

Similarly, ATM lounges must include at least one disability-friendly ATM equipped with Braille-enabled control buttons and audio support for visually impaired users. Financial institutions must also provide access to digital banking services such as ATMs, mobile banking, and internet banking to persons with disabilities who declare themselves capable of using such services independently.

To promote inclusive digital banking, banks have been instructed to develop accessible websites and mobile banking applications suitable for visually impaired individuals. Debit and credit cards must also include tactile features designed for visually impaired users.

Furthermore, the existing provision requiring special service counters for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and illiterate individuals will continue to remain in place to ensure easier and more inclusive access to banking services.