E-Governance Blueprint Draft 2081: Nepal’s Path to Digital Governance
26th February 2025, Kathmandu
“The E-Governance Board under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has officially unveiled Nepal’s ‘E-Governance Blueprint,’ marking a significant step toward a fully digital, paperless public service system. The blueprint aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility by leveraging digital infrastructure, legal frameworks, and inter-agency coordination. With strategic pillars focused on governance, data security, international cooperation, and innovation, the plan outlines key initiatives for the next three years, including drafting an E-Governance Act, restructuring the Department of IT, and establishing a Data Protection Authority. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback before finalizing this transformative roadmap for Nepal’s digital governance future.”
E-Governance Blueprint Draft 2081
Public Consultation on the Draft
Stakeholders and the public can provide feedback and suggestions within seven days by emailing [email protected]. According to the E-Governance Board, the blueprint seeks to transform the governance landscape by integrating digital technologies and eliminating the need for physical presence in administrative processes.
Key Objectives of the E-Governance Blueprint
The blueprint aims to ensure efficient, transparent, accountable, and effective digital governance. It focuses on simplifying interactions between citizens and government service providers by reducing redundant paperwork and automating administrative processes.
The core objectives include:
- Building necessary digital infrastructure
- Formulating policy and legal frameworks
- Developing institutional capacities
- Encouraging digital governance innovation, research, and development
Strategic Pillars of the Blueprint
The E-Governance Blueprint is structured around seven key strategic pillars:
- Clear Governance Framework for Digital Administration
- Legal and Regulatory Framework Development
- Continuous Digital Advocacy and Development
- Digital Literacy and Skill Enhancement
- Establishing Digital Standards and Guidelines
- Strengthening Regional and International Cooperation
- Innovation, Research, and Development in Digital Governance
Data Strategy: One-Time Data Collection Policy
A significant highlight of the blueprint is the introduction of a National Data Strategy. This policy ensures that citizens and businesses will only need to submit their information once, which can then be used across multiple government services.
The government will establish standardized rules and principles for storing, exchanging, managing, and utilizing data effectively. The One-Time Data Collection Policy (One Only Policy – OOP) aims to:
- Reduce administrative redundancy
- Enhance inter-agency data sharing
- Strengthen cybersecurity and data protection measures
Data Exchange Platform for Secure Data Sharing
The government will establish a Data Exchange Platform under the Data Protection and Privacy Act to enhance secure data exchange. This platform will provide a transparent and secure framework for data sharing among government agencies while ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
The National Identification System will be integrated into this platform, enabling efficient and seamless public service delivery. Due to the absence of a centralized system, citizens must repeatedly submit their information for various services. The new Data Exchange Platform will eliminate this redundancy and improve service efficiency.
Capacity Building and International Integration
The blueprint also includes measures for:
- Enhancing public service capacity
- Recognizing cross-border digital identities and e-signatures
- Facilitating cross-border electronic payments and data exchange
Additionally, startups will be encouraged to contribute to E-Governance institutional development, with a strong focus on research, innovation, and automation in public services.
Planned Actions for the Next Three Years
Following approval of the blueprint, the government has outlined key initiatives for the next three years, including:
- Drafting the Electronic Governance Act
- Restructuring the Department of Information Technology
- Establishing a Data Protection Authority
- Developing a national Data Exchange Platform
- Integrating digital signatures with National ID cards
- Setting up Citizen Service Centers for digital service delivery
Alignment with Existing Policies
The blueprint aligns with Nepal’s existing policies, including:
- IT Policy 2072
- Government Enterprise Architecture Directive 2076
- Digital Nepal Framework 2076
With technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an international consultant initially developed the E-Governance Blueprint Draft on Baisakh 17. It was later refined based on Nepal’s specific governance requirements. A final draft was submitted by a Nepali consulting team on Asoj 14, and the E-Governance Board approved it on Magh 14 after internal review and consultations.
Conclusion
Nepal’s E-Governance Blueprint marks a significant step toward digital transformation and efficient public service delivery. With a strong focus on data security, digital literacy, and inter-agency collaboration, the blueprint aims to create a more connected, transparent, and citizen-centric governance system.
The government is now seeking public and expert feedback before finalizing the blueprint, making this a crucial moment for stakeholders to contribute to Nepal’s digital future. Submit your feedback before the deadline at [email protected].
For more: E-Governance Blueprint Draft 2081
