Kathmandu — British national Colin Smith known as ‘Putalibaje’ is set to get honorary citizenship certificate of Nepal.

A Cabinet meeting held on November 15 had decided to grant honorary citizenship to Smith, who has been living in Nepal for long. The Ministry of Home Affairs had recommended citizenship for him based on documents submitted by Smith.

Citizenship and National ID Card Management Officer Arun Sapkota said Smith would be granted citizenship as per the government decision , the Himalayan times reported.

“The federal Cabinet can issue honorary citizenship. Earlier, such citizenship was granted to two foreign nationals. The home ministry will prepare required procedure and issue citizenship certificate,” said Sapkota.

The constitution has stipulated that the government can grant honorary citizenship to a foreign national of international reputation.

Smith had come to Nepal through United Mission in 1966, to teach. He is 83 years old. Smith taught Math and Science at Gorkha’’s Amarjyoti Secondary School.

Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai and doctor Upendra Devkota were his students. Smith is also a renowned butterfly expert.