Govt. implements digital and data governance action points

Kathmandu, March 31: The government has started the implementation of digital governance and data governance, prioritized in the 100 action points included in the Governance Reform Blueprint.  

According to the agenda approved at the first cabinet meeting held last Friday, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has started the process to shut down betting-related apps and websites within 24 hours, and has instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to close these apps.

Public service delivery will now be made faster, transparent, paperless and interconnected. In this connection, it has been announced that the existing integrated office management system 'GIOMS' will be further consolidated and made more user-friendly within 100 days.

The citizens' details will be collected for one time only, and arrangements will be made for other agencies to use the same data, while the government apps and portals will be made easier.

The action points include making online applications easier through a citizen app for governance reforms, implementing an 'auto-fill' system, and arranging for submitting applications for police reports, passports, and driving licences digitally within 45 days. 

Additionally, in cases where physical presence is required to receive the service, a system to select a time through an online 'appointment' system will be implemented within three months.

The government has brought a plan to expand the digital signature system as well.

A study process has been initiated to make arrangements to avail services using 'e-Signature' through 'NID card', 'biometric' or 'OTP'. Similarly, a file tracking system will be implemented within 30 days to send automatic 'alerts' in case of delays.

Arrangements for 'online download' of certificates will be implemented within 15 days, and plans to improve the employee's digital profile and the 'Hello Government' system are also included in the agenda.

Policies and laws related to digital governance and personal data protection will be drafted within 60 days, and preparations are also underway to establish an independent regulatory body for information technology and digital governance.

The government has set a target to prepare the Information Technology and Electronic Governance Bill and the 'National Enterprise Architecture Framework' within 60 days.

The government also aims to establish a 'National Integrated Digital Governance Platform' to provide all services through a single platform. For this, the work of establishing and operating the National Data Exchange Platform will begin within 100 days.

Similarly, it is stated that the plan to establish the Information Technology and Electronic Governance Office under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, abolish the current Department of Information Technology, and integrate all related agencies will be completed within three months. (RSS)