Despite Growing Plight of Pandemic, Nepal's Central Bank Wants to Keep Banking System Operational With Precautionary Measures

Although the number of Covid-19 cases in the country is growing exponentially, Nepal Rastra Bank has directed banks and financial institutions to provide banking services with less than 25 percent of employees.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the central bank issued seven-point directives to banks and financial institutions. The directive instructs employees to be called only for work that cannot be performed without being present in the office. NRB has asked to keep less than 20 percent of staff in the central office and less than 25 percent staff in the branch office.

Banks and financial institutions have also been asked to emphasize work-from-home by making the highest use of technology. The central bank has directed to provide services through electronic means rather than face-to-face banking services.