'Budget aims to make Nepal information technology hub'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 8: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget will feature a significant initiative aimed at fostering Nepal’s evolution into an information technology hub, along with the declaration of the information technology decade.

Addressing the ‘Digital Nepal Conclave 2024’ hosted by the ICT Foundation, the Prime Minister informed that the budget’s aim to facilitate the export of information technology services is valued at Rs. 30 billion and generate 500,000 direct and 1,000,000 jobs.

The budget includes provisions to elevate information technology as an economic catalyst, establish a legal framework for embracing cutting-edge technologies, and oversee the development, promotion, and regulation of artificial intelligence, he said.

He emphasised that the budget encompassed initiatives to ensure the provision of high-speed, reliable, and cost-effective internet services, alongside enhancing data security, intellectual property protection, and fostering policy stability within the information technology sector.

Prime Minister Prachanda outlined plans to revise the ‘Digital Nepal Framework’ and establish institutional mechanisms for its implementation and monitoring. 

Additionally, he underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the operation of information technology parks equipped with high-speed internet, reliable electricity, robust security, and other essential infrastructure, both in the Kathmandu Valley and Butwal.

“In such parks, free space will be allocated for ‘work stations’ 

to operate for three years, with multi-storey infrastructure to facilitate advanced information technology operations in a public-private partnership,” he said. 

Stating that public bodies will be directed to utilse the domestically produced software, he emphasised the systematic and reliable enhancement of the government data centre, focusing on aspects such as storage, security, and utilisation of electronic data.

He noted plans to facilitate internships for youth pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in information technology, specifically within related industries. 

Prime Minister Prachanda underscored the government's commitment to prioritising information and communication technology as a key driver toward achieving development and prosperity goals.

Stating that in the next year's budget, the ICT has been integrated into three crucial priorities, he said, “The government is dedicated to advancing towards a digital economy, fostering startup culture and innovation, generating employment opportunities, enhancing digital governance, and overall national transformation. To this end, the government is actively revising many policies and laws.”