Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung declared that the next decade will be the “Information Technology decade,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to maximizing new IT technologies for socio-economic transformation.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on the Ministry’s budget under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, Minister Gurung outlined programs aimed at developing IT as an export industry by attracting private sector investment, creating jobs, and enhancing service delivery through technology. He reaffirmed the government’s support for freedom of expression and press freedom while promoting good governance and e-governance.
The Ministry plans to expand telecom services like BTS and FTTH nationwide, regulate advertisement markets, and collaborate with provincial and local bodies to safeguard consumer welfare. A Rs 280 million allocation will support public welfare advertisements and media organizations under a financial aid procedure.
Minister Gurung highlighted the digital archiving of 92 years of Gorkhapatra Daily content and over 55,000 audio pieces from Radio Nepal. Upcoming initiatives include broadcasting disaster early warning alerts via Radio Nepal and SMS.
The Ministry is finalizing an Artificial Intelligence policy and will establish an AI Center to regulate and promote AI technologies. Broadband internet now covers thousands of ward offices, health centers, and schools, with plans for further expansion.
Cybersecurity legislation has been introduced, and the National Cyber Security Centre is operational to bolster cyber resilience. The digital Nepal framework is set for revision, with government services increasingly integrated into the Nagarik App for better citizen access.
The “One Local Level, One Smart Post Office” initiative will launch next fiscal year, alongside the construction of a modern film studio in Banepa to support Nepali filmmakers adopting international technologies. Sensitive printing infrastructure is also being developed domestically under the Security Printing Act.
