PM Oli calls for increasing investment in ICT sector

Kathmandu, May 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the foreign investors to invest in the science and technology sector in Nepal as road, electricity and other infrastructures have been developed in the country.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology on the occasion of the National Information and Communication Technology Day 2082 BS today, Prime Minister Oli urged the people to work with the concept of 'one step forward every day' to make Nepal modern and technologically advanced.

He stressed the need of attaining more achievements by expanding the right to use information and communication technology for good governance, development and easy service delivery in the country. 

"Our nation is fertile and life-supporting. There is immense possibility for investment here. Let us carry out works with the confidence that we can do something in our own lifetime and our journey will sure proceed towards progressive steps," the Prime Minister said, adding that the use of information and technology is increasing in every sector including the education.

Stating that in order to end the situation of 52 per cent students failing in SEE, classes on important subjects were also conducted through online medium from last year on an individual initiative, he stressed such initiatives carried out with the good intention the students' future should not be pushed towards darkness should be encouraged.

PM Oli stressed the need for maintaining a 'data' system with our own security, stating that the development of information technology itself was the answer to those who are saying the situation (meaning people's standard of living) did not change even after the change in the political system.

"We have come a long way from the need to have a government minister's recommendation to get a telephone line connected. Efforts have also been initiated to send our own 'satellite' to space. A new generation of capable people has been prepared in this field," he said.

The Prime Minister further said: "Let us move ahead with confidence. We will lay emphasis on the production and training more skilled human resources in the information technology sector. Now for the prosperity of the country, information and communication technology should be expanded and used for development and good governance among the people in every nook and corner. One should be aware of the tendency of misusing information and technology to harass individuals.”

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli inaugurated the work of linking the Bagmati province government's driving license (license) and Blue Book (certificate of vehicle ownership) with the Nagarik App.

Prof Dr Shashidhar Ram Joshi and other individuals and organisations were honoured with the National Information Technology Award on the occasion. (RSS)