Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has called on subordinate bodies under the Ministry to work towards achieving the goals outlined in the Digital Nepal Framework.
Speaking at a thematic committee meeting organized by the Ministry on Sunday, the Minister highlighted the need for universal access to electricity, telephone, and internet connectivity at the local levels in order to implement the Digital Nepal Framework. He stressed that the Ministry’s bodies are responsible for laying the groundwork for these essential services.
Minister Gurung emphasized key priorities, including the extension of the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS), controlling advertisement leakage, digitalizing postal services, and ensuring consistency across official websites of government entities. He also called for a literacy campaign to increase awareness of Civic Apps and urged authorities to focus on expanding broadband services’ access and use.
Addressing the economic burden on infrastructure development, the Minister pointed out that the tax collection by local levels for mobile tower installations has added to the cost of development projects. He also emphasized the need to improve the quality of broadband services in eight districts affected by the earthquake.
Minister Gurung further advised provincial governments to prove their relevance and presence through effective delivery of services.
Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry, stressed the importance of consulting with provincial and local levels when formulating policies and laws. She emphasized the need to maintain quality in sector plans, policies, and programs while ensuring uniformity across them. Additionally, she urged the consideration of communications and information technology issues when setting annual policies and programs at the local level.
On the same occasion, Joint Secretary Koshhari Niraula noted that the Ministry’s programs have been implemented in close coordination with local, provincial, and federal levels.
