Despite the formation of Information Technology (IT) policy 2000, the country is yet to witness an effective advancement of the most essential IT sector — one that could spur the socio-economic development by addressing micro and macro-level concerns of governance and local administration. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for good governance has been the slogan of the social sector’s campaign for peace and development since quite sometime now. The country’s IT experts say that poverty alleviation goals and economic growth are contingent upon the progress made in ICT’s development, but they blame the government for “turning a deaf ear” to the rising importance of the IT sector at home. The problem, they claimed from the platform of the inauguration of the 12th CAN InfoTech conference that kicked off on March 23 in Kathmandu, is the lack of inter-ministerial coordination and, more importantly, the slow implementation strategies of various IT-related state policies.

In a world increasingly dominated by the march of the IT, it is unfortunate that Nepali policy-makers have not given serious thought to this sector, which is most vital for crossing the threshold of economic breakthroughs. Since little has been done to improve the infrastructure in the far-flung villages, telecentres, for instance, have not been able to expand. The much-hyped about IT Park in Dhulikhel too awaits sound policies in order to make it lucrative for foreign investors. Time is running out for Nepal to embark on a course of action geared specifically to meeting national and international demands. Besides facilitating IT’s growth, another sector that could prove critical for Nepali economy is outsourcing. If experiences of countries like India (which is pocketing around $20 billion in profit a year) in outsourcing is any guide, Nepal should waste no time in encouraging, designing and implementing a national outsourcing strategy that can transform the lives of unlimited number of Nepalis in need of gainful outlets.