Govt focuses on safe, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem: Minister Timilsina

Kathmandu, May 2: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said government's focus is on establishment of safe, credible, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.     

Issuing a message of best wishes on the National Information and Communications Technology Day, 2083 today, Minister Timilsina said IT is not an alternative but a fundamental pillar for good governance, service delivery, economic development, entrepreneurship and citizen empowerment. He extended best wishes to all those working actively in IT sector- innovators, entrepreneurs, private entities, researchers, students, start-up community and stakeholders.     

Government is advancing its initiatives and policies to build digital Nepal by making public service convenient, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly. "The Communications Ministry has kept in high priority the development of digital public infrastructures along with an IT perspective for a coming decade. Nagarik App will be made further robust and effective linking numerous State services in it, which will make services convenient," he added.     

He also shared Ministry's plan to accelerate necessary policies and programmes to secure Nepal's spot in the region as a hub of digital innovation, IT service, data economy and artificial intelligence (AI). For it to happen, the legal and structural mechanisms would be in place in addition to the National AI Policy and the National Cyber Security Strategy. 

Expansion of high speed broadband internet, strengthening of government data centre, disaster recovery, digital literacy and production of competent and technological workforce are paid heed to reduce digital divide and ensure digital inclusion. Government is committed to creating employments in IT, engaging young talents, and fostering start up development as an engine of national economy, the Minister explained.     

Minister Timilsina also said, "Digital transformation is however not possible with sole efforts of government. IT requires having private sector, academia, development partners, media, tech community and entire public on board."     

In the message, he called all stakeholders to join hands in a common journey of building a prosperous, modern and digital Nepal.(RSS)