Nepal Labour Ministry Digital Upgrade: Shram Sansar Portal & LMIS for Online Services
7th May 2025, Kathmandu
Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sharatsingh Bhandari has instructed his ministry to upgrade all digital systems without delay. He emphasized using modern technology to deliver faster and more efficient services to the public.
Nepal Labour Ministry Digital Upgrade
Digital Tools Must Support Local-Level Service
Minister Bhandari issued the directive during a discussion held at the ministry on Tuesday. He called for the Shram Sansar portal to be expanded. The portal currently hosts information on foreign employment, skill development, and labour-related services.
He asked officials to include additional data about stakeholders involved in the employment sector. He also emphasized delivering these services through local government bodies. According to him, this step would help citizens receive timely services closer to home.
Labour Market System Development a Priority
The meeting focused on improving how information technology supports public services. Minister Bhandari stressed the need to integrate digital systems across all departments.
He directed the ministry to complete the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) without further delay. He also assigned the Internal Employment Management Division to lead this effort. A focal person will be appointed, and clear timelines will be set to finish the work.
Ministry’s Action Plan Faces Delays
Although the ministry had prepared an action plan to expand digital services, implementation has been slow. Minister Bhandari acknowledged these delays. He warned that such inaction could affect service delivery.
He noted that poor digital infrastructure has already created problems for the public. The lack of integration between existing systems has caused confusion and delays in accessing services. He said it was time to overcome these obstacles through focused action.
Global Trends Demand Technological Adoption
Minister Bhandari also referred to international practices. He said countries around the world use digital tools to manage their labour markets. Nepal, he added, should not fall behind.
He stated that using technology would not only make service delivery faster but also increase transparency and accountability. “We must digitize if we want to meet the expectations of our citizens,” he said.
Full Digital Services from Next Fiscal Year
Minister Bhandari announced a major shift in how services will be delivered from next year. He said that all labour and employment services will be available digitally through key institutions.
These include the National Employment Promotion Programme, the Social Security Fund, the Department of Foreign Employment, the Foreign Employment Board, and the National Vocational Skills Training Institute.
He said these institutions would work together under a common digital system. This would help citizens access multiple services from one platform.
High-Level Discussion Involving Key Partners
Tuesday’s discussion included senior officials from the ministry and various experts. Attendees included Prime Minister’s IT advisor Asgar Ali and the Minister’s personal advisor Yuvaraj Basnet.
Representatives from Swisscontact, the World Bank, the SaMi project, and the ReMi initiative also joined the meeting. They shared insights on how digital systems can be upgraded efficiently.
The experts highlighted the importance of coordination and clear planning. They also pointed out that delays in system upgrades could harm public trust in government services.
Upgrading Systems Now a Top Priority
The discussion made it clear that the ministry faces several digital challenges. Existing IT systems are outdated. Many services are still not integrated.
Officials agreed that these problems must be addressed quickly. They discussed how weak digital tools have led to bottlenecks in service delivery. Minister Bhandari insisted that the ministry must act now to fix these gaps.
He reminded officials that public expectations are rising. People want faster, more accessible services. According to him, digital upgrades are the only way to meet these demands.
Technology Must Be Citizen-Focused
The minister concluded by urging all teams to work with urgency. He said the ministry’s digital transformation should prioritize the needs of citizens. He added that technology should not just serve officials but also make life easier for the general public.
He also asked partner organizations to assist with technical support and capacity building. The goal, he said, is to ensure that digital tools serve every Nepali who seeks employment or labour-related services.
The ministry now plans to hold regular follow-ups to ensure progress. Clear timelines, responsible units, and measurable goals will guide the digital transformation.
For more: Nepal Labour Ministry Digital Upgrade
