eSewa has partnered with Citizens Bank International to launch ‘Swabalamban Karja’, a digital lending facility aimed at making formal credit more accessible to Persons with Disabilities.

The facility was launched at an event held at Vivanta Kathmandu, bringing together representatives from eSewa, Citizens Bank International, the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal, development partner organisations, Persons with Disabilities and the media.

Under the facility, eligible applicants can apply for loans directly through the eSewa app, reducing the need for lengthy paperwork, physical visits and conventional loan application procedures.

Loans Up to Rs. 200,000

The ‘Swabalamban Karja’ facility offers loans ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 200,000 at an annual interest rate of 9.99 percent. The processing fee has been set at 0.75 percent.

Applicants can access the facility by clicking the ‘Swabalamban Karja’ banner on the eSewa app’s home page and completing the digital application process. However, loan approval remains subject to the bank’s assessment and applicable terms and conditions.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must have a KYC-verified eSewa account and a disability identity card issued by the Government of Nepal. Applicants are also required to have at least six months of eSewa usage history and a regular source of income through employment or business.

The facility is intended to simplify access to formal credit for people who may face additional barriers in accessing conventional financial services.

‘Access to Financial Services Should Not Be Limited by Physical Condition’

Speaking at the launch, Jagdish Khadka, Chief Executive Officer of eSewa, said the initiative aims to use digital technology to make access to credit simpler and more convenient for Persons with Disabilities.

'Swabalamban Karja is not just a financial product; it is the beginning of a broader concept. An individual’s access to financial services should not be limited by their physical condition,' Khadka said. He said the initiative could contribute to greater participation in financial services by using digital platforms to reduce procedural barriers.

Citizens Bank Sees Scope for Greater Financial Inclusion

Roshan Manandhar, Chief Operating Officer of Citizens Bank International, said the bank was pleased to partner with eSewa to expand access to formal credit for Persons with Disabilities.

'We are pleased to partner with eSewa to expand access to formal credit for Persons with Disabilities. We expect Swabalamban Karja to provide a financial solution that supports their personal and economic needs,' Manandhar said.

He added that the bank had been looking for an opportunity to introduce a meaningful initiative in the area and expressed hope that the partnership would contribute to building a broader ecosystem for financial inclusion.

Live Loan Disbursement at Launch

The launch event included presentations on the ‘Swabalamban Karja’ facility, a live loan disbursement, a participant’s experience and a documentary highlighting the initiative.

The partnership between eSewa and Citizens Bank brings the lending process onto a digital platform, allowing eligible Persons with Disabilities to initiate their loan applications through a mobile application rather than relying entirely on conventional, branch-based procedures.