KATHMANDU, APRIL 24

The government has issued the 'Integrated Electronic System Directive on Operation of Government Agencies-2022' in a bid to implement the concept of paperless government for delivery of public services through a single e-system.

According to the directive published by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the Nepal Gazette last week, the Department of Information Technology will establish, operate and manage an integrated electronic system related to operation of government agencies.

'Any government agency may request the DoIT to get aligned with the system to execute its tasks in an integrated manner. If such request is received, the DoIT shall have to align that government agency with the system within one week,' the directive says.

The DoIT may also call on government agencies through the MoCIT to get aligned with the system to bring about improvement in their performance in an easy and effective manner. The functions to be performed through the system include issuance of order and submission of notes, registration and transmission of official letters, maintaining e-attendance of employees, approval of leave and deputation, inventory management, performance appraisal, appointment and transfer of employees, placement of employees, preparation of programme implementation plan, preparation of progress report, monitoring management, formation of committee and subcommittee or taskforce, conducting and managing meeting, signing performance contract, managing public assets and maintaining records, among others.

Government agencies are required to use the system while performing these functions among themselves. Nonetheless, the government agencies may establish and operate a separate or isolated system as per requirement.

The directive has also empowered the DoIT to develop and operate a mobile app, thereby enabling government agencies to interface with the system. The DoIT will provide username and password to government agencies to execute the functions through the system in an integrated manner.

The directive has stipulated a six-member steering committee led by the chief secretary to provide suggestions to the government on policy matters and issue direction to government agencies for implementation of the system.

Similarly, there will be a six-member implementation committee headed by secretary at the MoCIT for implementation, coordination and facilitation of the system.

A version of this article appears in the print on April 25, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.