Kathmandu, May 12

The government today formed Information and Technology Council to be headed by the prime minister.

According to government’s spokesperson Sherdhan Rai, today’s Cabinet meeting decided to form the council with the Minister for Information and Communications and the Minister for Science and Technology as its co-chairpersons.

Rai said members of the council include the chief secretary, a member of the National Planning Commission, secretaries at the ministries of finance, home affairs, information and communications, industry and urban development, and chairperson of the telecommunications authority.

Other members include two persons from organisations related to information and communications to be appointed by the government, two professors or academicians from universities, two experts in the information technology sector, two entrepreneurs and professionals involved in information technology sectors, and a person from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Minister Rai said that the secretary at the Prime Minister’s office and Council of Ministers has been named the member secretary of the council.

The government also appointed Krishna Nath Khanal of Tanahun district as member secretary at the Arrears Clearance Evaluation and Monitoring Committee.

Today’s Cabinet meeting also endorsed the National Security Policy 2016.

The government also formed two committees under the leadership of Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi for the effective implementation of agreements with India and China today.

The panels, having joint secretaries as members, would monitor implementation of the agreements, understanding and other deals made during the PM’s official visits to India and China.