KATHMANDU, MAY 14

The government aims to propel the next decade forward as the 'Information Technology Decade,' striving for socio-economic transformation and prosperity by leveraging information technology as the cornerstone of digital transformation.

Presenting the government's policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year in a joint session of the federal parliament today, President Paudel emphasized Nepal's development as a global information technology hub, advocating for the cultivation of the IT industry as a major sector for employment and service export.

The policies and programs outline plans to create at least 5,000 jobs by establishing IT workstations in strategic locations throughout the Kathmandu Valley and in each province.

Additionally, they propose establishing legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the safe and effective utilization of communication and information technology systems, alongside a plan to revise the digital Nepal framework.

President Paudel declared, 'An internet and data exchange platform will be developed to facilitate inter-affiliation among electronic systems.' Moreover, the government plans to operationalize citizen service centers in collaboration with local authorities to streamline public service delivery.

The policies and programs underscore the commitment to enhancing broadband services by ensuring quality, accessibility, and safety, with efforts to expand broadband internet and accelerate the deployment of high-capacity optical fiber networks. Satellite-based internet services are also slated for launch in remote and rural areas.

Institutional mechanisms will be established to bolster research, response, and public awareness regarding cybersecurity. Efforts will be made to increase digital literacy, particularly among women, minorities, and marginalized communities.

Furthermore, the government intends to advance the deployment of Nepal's satellite into orbit and develop standards for constructing and operating data centers. Plans are also in place for establishing the Information Technology Knowledge Park.

The document outlines measures to enhance the security and reliability of information technology systems used by public entities through technical testing and the adoption of domestically developed software. The government plans to modernize security printing and restructure postal services to align with e-commerce.

President Paudel emphasized the need for policy, legal, and structural reforms to foster the professional development of the mass media sector, dignify and regulate social media usage, and promote media literacy, including rural journalism in local languages.

The government plans to establish Media Villages in all provinces and initiate preparations for the Krishnasen Media Village in Dang, in collaboration with Lumbini Province.

Additionally, incentives will be provided to encourage the consolidation and transfer of ownership among television, FM, and internet service providers.