Address the ICT Sector as an Essential Service – CAN Federation

10th May 2020, Kathmandu

The Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) has demanded to prioritize the ICT sector under essential services.                    

The country is in lockdown since April 25 to prevent the spread of a global pandemic. This has crippled Nepal’s economy and affected the employment of millions of workers.

Meanwhile, the cabinet decided to extend the lockdown till May 16 by resuming some industries at the same time. The listing of such industries under ‘essential services’ was made public and the ICT sector didn’t make the cut.

Thus, the CAN Federation – an umbrella organization of the Information Technology sector has objected to the listing. It has demanded to address the ICT sector as an essential service by handing over a memorandum to the secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Furthermore, the CAN Federation believes that information technology is the most important service after health in the present crisis.

What does the Memorandum Say?

The ICT sector has ensured the comfort and spreading of information to the general public during the lockdown. Telephone, Internet, online banking, e-commerce, online education, and news media are doing their bit to boost the economy and livelihood.

Besides, life in lockdown has become unimaginable without information and communication facilities. Due to the lockdown, the service providers haven’t been able to provide field support to their customers. Pointing out these facts, CAN said it was ironic that such an important service missed out as a priority industry.

The CAN Federation cited an example of our neighboring country, India, saying it has partially opened businesses related to ICT from May 3. CAN has expressed deep sorrow over the failure of the Nepal government to prioritize the importance of the ICT sector.

“Recognizing the importance of the information technology sector, we heartily request the Government of Nepal to include this sector in the essential services,” the memorandum said.

Similarly, the CAN Federation claims that the ICT sector is ready to take all the necessary measures and precautions to provide services during this health crisis.