Eighth National ICT Day 2082: Building Digital Nepal
Nepal observes the eighth National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day with the theme "Information Technology Campaign: Building Digital Nepal."
This day aligns with the national aspiration of "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali," highlighting the transformative role of ICT in achieving prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Globally, there is a surge in the use and development of new technologies. While Nepal previously prioritized political change and stability, recent decades have seen significant strides in ICT. With the establishment of a federal democratic republic, a conducive environment for development has emerged.
The government is committed to advancing the Digital Nepal initiative, expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring equal access to technology for all citizens.
Youth Empowerment and Economic Growth
Recognizing the importance of ICT, the government aims to develop skilled human resources through youth-focused programs that promote entrepreneurship and employment.
Digital tools are essential for innovation in agriculture, industry, and services, facilitating modernization, commercialization, and market access. Efforts are underway to promote the ICT industry, boost exports, and attract foreign investment to strengthen the national economy.
Integration of Government Services
An ambitious plan is to integrate major government services into the Nagarik App within the upcoming fiscal year. This integration will simplify service delivery, enhance transparency, and improve administrative efficiency.
The government calls for active participation from all citizens, collaboration with the private sector, and input from technology experts to make governance more accountable and citizen-centric.
Infrastructure Development and Cybersecurity
The government is focused on making the internet more accessible, expanding broadband in rural areas, establishing international-standard data centers aligned with geographical needs, investing in skill development through global training providers, and swiftly implementing policies and laws related to cybersecurity and data protection.
Revisiting the Digital Nepal Framework
On this occasion, the government reaffirms its commitment to reviewing the Digital Nepal Framework 2076, developing more effective action plans, and improving policies and structures to ensure a secure and user-friendly digital environment.
Collective Effort for Digital Transformation
Celebrating the eighth National ICT Day, the government reiterates its dedication to collaboration among government bodies, the private sector, educational institutions, and international partners.
Through shared efforts, the benefits of ICT can reach every Nepali, enhancing transparency, economic progress, and social equality.
Progress and Initiatives in ICT
On the occasion of the eighth National ICT Day 2082, heartfelt greetings are extended to all Nepalis at home and abroad. With technological advancements, Nepal is entering the era of information technology, changing its citizens' lifestyles through digital thinking and services.
Expansion of Digital Services
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Significant growth in the use and development of ICT in Nepal.
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Increased adoption of electronic systems in public service delivery.
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Acceleration in the development and use of digital payment systems.
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Nationwide reach of telecommunications services.
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Ongoing efforts to extend sustainable broadband internet to all local levels and ward centers by the end of this year.
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Expansion of 4G services to remote areas and plans to introduce 5G services in major cities of Kathmandu and all seven provinces by year-end.
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Implement a paperless public service delivery system through the Government Integrated Office Management System.
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Enhancement and modernization of the Nagarik App, integrating over 65 services from 35 government agencies.
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Plans to include over 100 high-priority services from all ministries in the Nagarik App within this year.
Data Centers and Disaster Recovery
Efforts are underway to upgrade and modernize government data centers, prepare guidelines for operating private-sector data centers, and establish disaster recovery centers with necessary policy and institutional arrangements.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence
Nepal has taken significant steps in this field, recognizing the global rise in artificial intelligence. The government is finalizing the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2081, which aims to develop human resources, promote research and innovation, and improve public service quality through AI applications.
Cybersecurity Measures
The essential Information Technology and Cybersecurity Bill is being registered in Parliament. The National Cybersecurity Policy 2080 is being implemented, and the National Cybersecurity Center has been established to identify, respond to, and monitor cybersecurity risks.
Digital Ecosystem and Policy Reforms
Contemporary revisions are being completed to improve the Digital Nepal Framework. The government is also accelerating the development of necessary policies and laws to ensure the secure and accountable use of technology and systems, as well as to build a digital ecosystem.
Institutional Restructuring
The process of restructuring agencies under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has begun to transform the entire sector.
Security printing operations have commenced immediately, and the process for formulating policies and developing infrastructure in the film sector has started.
Nepal Television and Radio Nepal have been integrated into public service broadcasting, and plans are underway to integrate Gorkhapatra and other print media similarly.
Long-Term Strategic Planning
The Ministry plans to prepare a 25-year long-term strategy document titled "Information and Communication Technology Development Roadmap—2025," which encompasses the declared Information Technology Decade.
To achieve the goals and objectives of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy, the establishment of an AI Center and the preparation of an integrated digital policy by consolidating all communication and information technology sector policies are also planned.
Targeted Programs and Satellite Initiatives
The Ministry aims to conduct targeted programs on AI technology utilization, increasing digital literacy, strengthening cybersecurity, and effectively using the Nagarik App.
Preparations have begun to establish Nepal's satellite. Groundwork is underway to set up information technology hubs and knowledge parks in the central and all seven provinces, creating an environment for hundreds of IT companies to employ thousands of skilled personnel.
Importance of ICT in National Development
With the vision of building a nation equipped with information technology, ensuring access to and optimal use of mass communication, telecommunications, and information technology for all citizens is crucial to bringing qualitative changes in their living standards.
The Nepalese government has embraced recent developments in the ICT sector in public service delivery. Today, the use of electronic systems in public services has increased, with almost every public agency providing services electronically.
Implementation of Digital Nepal Framework
The Digital Nepal Framework 2076 has been implemented in the firm belief that economic and social transformation can be achieved through the development, expansion, and use of communication and information technology. Contemporary reviews of the framework are ongoing.
The government aims to build digital public infrastructure by implementing programs under the digital foundation. Prioritizing digital public infrastructure is essential for successfully implementing the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and government policies and programs are aligned in this direction.
Integrated Service Systems
The Nagarik App, developed to create an integrated service system, integrates over 65 services, including driving licenses, PAN numbers, and police character certificates.
Efforts are being made to interlink government and private services with the national identity card, providing citizens with easy-to-access services through a unified digital identity.
Legal Framework and Cybersecurity
The government is prioritizing formulating information technology and cybersecurity laws and developing the National Artificial Intelligence Policy to ensure information technology's growth, expansion, and secure use.
Considering the increasing incidents of cybercrime, unauthorized access to sensitive systems, and misuse of personal and institutional data, the government is focusing on effective regulation and management and addressing the growing challenges of cybersecurity through policy, legal, and structural development.
Institutional Strengthening
The National Cybersecurity Policy 2080 has been formulated and is being implemented. The National Cybersecurity Center has been established to identify, respond to, and monitor cybersecurity risks. The Ministry aims to make structural reforms by restructuring focal agencies related to information technology to provide quality services. The Ministry is committed to timely policy reforms to create an information technology-friendly environment and retain skilled human resources within the country.
