Ninth National ICT Day: Government Focuses on Digital Infrastructure Development and AI Policy
The Government of Nepal is observing the Ninth National Information and Communication Technology Day, 2083, today under the main slogan, “Expansion of Information Technology: Foundation for Sustainable Development.”
On this occasion, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has emphasized good governance, service delivery, and economic development by transforming public service delivery into a digital system.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina issued a message of best wishes on the occasion, stating that the Ministry has given high priority to formulating a decade-focused long-term information technology strategy and developing digital public infrastructure.
He said arrangements are being expanded to further strengthen the Nagarik App so that citizens can easily access the state’s essential services through a single digital platform.
Minister Timilsina stated that the government aims to develop Nepal as a regional center for digital innovation, information technology services, the data economy, and artificial intelligence (AI).
For this purpose, the Ministry has stated that work is being accelerated to improve the National AI Policy, National Cyber Security Policy, and the legal and institutional structures related to information technology.
Similarly, Ministry Secretary Laxmi Kumari Basnet expressed confidence that the use of digital systems in public service delivery, inter-agency system integration, and data-based decision-making processes would make an important contribution to promoting good governance.
In her message, she stated that the Ministry and its subordinate bodies are moving ahead with priority on expanding digital services, interconnectivity of information technology systems, data management, and strengthening cyber security.
The Ministry has placed the development of a secure, reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem as one of its major priorities.
The government’s additional key goals and priorities in the information technology sector are as follows:
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Expansion of high-speed broadband internet across the country.
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Strengthening of government data centers and disaster recovery systems.
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Reduction of the digital divide through increased digital literacy and production of skilled information technology human resources.
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Establishment of the information technology sector as a new growth engine for employment creation, promotion of youth talent, startup development, and the national economy.
Stating that the goal of digital transformation and building a “Digital Nepal” cannot be achieved through government efforts alone, the Ministry has called on the private sector, academic institutions, development partners, media, technology community, civil society, and all stakeholders to work together actively in this campaign.
Annual Day