Gagan Kumar Thapa Pushes Digital Membership Update

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said the party is moving ahead with a digital update system for its active membership records in line with provisions already included in the party’s constitution.

Speaking at a programme in Dhangadhi on Saturday, he urged members to visit local ward offices to complete the update process and maintain their membership status.

He said the party was not introducing a new system but implementing long-standing rules related to membership renewal and record management. According to him, the move is aimed at improving communication with members and strengthening the party’s organisational structure ahead of the next general convention.

Party begins digital membership update process

The Nepali Congress leadership has started updating active membership records through a digital system, saying the process is necessary to modernise internal party management and maintain accurate member information.

During his address in Dhangadhi, Thapa explained that the party constitution already requires active members to renew their membership every year. He said the current initiative is focused on updating member details rather than forcing members to go through a completely new application process.

According to him, local ward offices will play a central role in carrying out the update campaign, with ward chairpersons responsible for overseeing the process in their respective areas.

Ward officials asked to take responsibility

Thapa stressed that ward-level leadership carries an organisational responsibility defined by the party’s constitution. He said ward chairpersons are expected to work actively for five years and support the ongoing membership update programme.

He stated that if local leaders require technical assistance to operate the digital system, the party will arrange trained personnel to help them complete the process smoothly.

At the same time, he warned that leaders unwilling to carry out the responsibility could be replaced by others ready to manage the work. He said the party’s organisational tasks could not be delayed because of reluctance at the local level.

Membership renewal fee reduced

During the programme, Thapa also discussed changes made to the party’s membership renewal fee system. He said the earlier provision required active members participating in the party’s 15th general convention to pay a fee of 1,000 rupees.

According to him, the amount was later revised and reduced to 200 rupees per year. He said the amendment was introduced to make the process easier and more affordable for ordinary members.

Thapa added that the party also simplified the application system by allowing a one-time application instead of repeated registration procedures.

• Previous membership fee for convention participation: 1,000 rupees
• Revised annual renewal fee: 200 rupees
• Membership system changed to a one-time application model

Leaders questioned need for repeated visits

The membership update campaign has also raised questions among some party leaders and members regarding the need to return to ward offices or complete forms again.

Responding to those concerns, Thapa clarified that the current process is mainly intended to update existing records rather than force members to restart their membership registration.

He said the digital update system is expected to improve the party’s database and ensure accurate information about active members across the country.

According to him, the update process mainly requires members to confirm their mobile numbers and indicate that they wish to remain active within the party structure.

Party lacks contact details of most members

Thapa revealed that although the Nepali Congress has around 800,000 active members, the party currently holds mobile phone numbers for only about 80,000 of them.

He said this gap has created communication difficulties and made it harder for the party to stay connected with its supporters and organisational network.

The digital update campaign is expected to address this issue by collecting verified contact information from members at the local level.

Party officials believe that improved data collection will help strengthen coordination between the central leadership and grassroots members while also supporting future organisational activities.

Focus placed on organisational reform

The remarks delivered in Dhangadhi highlighted the party’s broader effort to modernise its internal systems and improve administrative efficiency. Thapa said the update drive is part of an effort to make party structures more functional and responsive.

He maintained that the constitutional provisions regarding active membership had existed for years and that the party was now trying to implement them more effectively through digital tools.

The campaign also reflects growing efforts within political organisations to use technology for membership management, communication, and organisational planning.

Membership update linked to future participation

Party leaders indicated that maintaining updated membership information will be important for future participation in organisational activities and internal decision-making processes.

Thapa urged members not to ignore the update campaign and encouraged them to coordinate with local ward offices as soon as possible.

He said members only need to provide updated personal details and confirm their continued involvement in party activities for the renewal process to be completed.

The Nepali Congress leadership expects the digital update initiative to improve record accuracy, strengthen communication with supporters, and prepare the organisation more effectively for future political programmes and internal elections.