Unlocking Digital Nepal: 41 Strategic Suggestions to Transform Governance by 2081
24th May 2025, Kathmandu
In a landmark move poised to redefine Nepal’s digital landscape, three leading ICT organizations – the Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation), the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CSRI Nepal), and the Information Security Response Team Nepal (npCert) – have unveiled a comprehensive blueprint of 41 strategic recommendations.
Unlocking Digital Nepal
These suggestions, presented on May 23, 2025, to Choodamani Paudel, Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, are set to shape the nation’s E-Governance Blueprint 2081, aiming for a truly digital, transparent, and citizen-centric governance model.
This collaborative effort signifies a pivotal moment for Nepal’s digital transformation, underscoring the collective commitment of the private sector and civil society to accelerate the nation’s technological progress.
A Unified Vision for Digital Nepal
The submission of these recommendations is the culmination of extensive consultations with government ministries, autonomous bodies, and experts. This initiative builds upon the foundational meeting of the E-Governance Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister on April 30, 2023 (17 Baisakh 2080), setting the stage for this ambitious digital overhaul.
Key voices behind this transformative initiative emphasized:
Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President and Senior Vice President of CAN Federation, championed a “Digital by Default” policy and the revolutionary “One Citizen – One Dashboard” concept. He also highlighted the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the strategic adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.
Dr. Shaligram Parajuli, President of CSRI Nepal, stressed the alignment with the existing Digital Nepal Framework, advocating for a robust data exchange platform and streamlined public services to eliminate redundancy.
Dr. Rajib Subba, President of npCert, underscored the paramount importance of data protection, calling for stringent cybersecurity standards, comprehensive data protection policies, and secure cross-border data transfer protocols to safeguard citizens’ digital information.
Suman K. Sharma, CEO of Insight Technology, hailed the blueprint as a “milestone document,” urging substantial investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
Chandra Bilash Bhurtel, General Secretary of CAN Federation, reiterated the indispensable role of private sector participation in realizing this digital vision.
Secretary Choodamani Paudel warmly received the contributions, affirming the government’s commitment to public-private collaboration and assuring the incorporation of these vital suggestions into the final E-Governance Blueprint.
The E-Governance Blueprint 2081: Pillars of Digital Transformation
The proposed E-Governance Blueprint 2081 is built upon 7 Strategic Pillars, designed to foster a comprehensive and sustainable digital ecosystem:
Governance Structure: Establishing efficient and responsive digital governance frameworks.
Legal Reforms: Modernizing existing laws, including the Electronic Transactions Act 2063, to support a digital economy.
Skill Enhancement: Building digital capabilities across the populace and civil service.
Technology Standards: Implementing unified technological standards for seamless digital interactions.
Implementation Monitoring: Ensuring effective oversight and progress tracking of digital initiatives.
Innovation: Fostering a culture of digital innovation and technological advancement.
International Cooperation: Collaborating globally to leverage best practices in e-governance.
Key Initiatives for a Digitally Empowered Nepal:
The blueprint outlines several impactful initiatives across various domains:
Digital Infrastructure Strengthening:
Transitioning to a “Digital by Default” government service model.
Establishing a National Shared Cloud Platform for efficient data management.
Expanding internet access to rural and remote areas, bridging the digital divide.
Citizen-Centric Digital Services:
Implementing “One Citizen – One Dashboard” for unified access to public services.
Promoting extensive use of the Citizen App for enhanced public engagement.
Launching digital suggestion boxes and real-time feedback systems for responsive governance.
Human Resource and Capacity Development:
Conducting nationwide digital literacy campaigns across all seven provinces.
Offering comprehensive ICT training for civil servants to enhance digital proficiency.
Integrating e-governance courses into university curricula to prepare future generations.
Innovation and Private Sector Engagement:
Introducing startup-friendly procurement policies to encourage local innovation.
Promoting robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for shared digital growth.
Opening access to API systems to enable digital service innovation by external developers.
Coordination and Evaluation:
Establishing dedicated IT departments in all ministries for streamlined digital operations.
Utilizing online dashboards for real-time performance tracking and accountability.
Implementing a unified digital feedback system for continuous improvement.
Additional Key Initiatives:
Promoting Green IT and paperless governance for sustainable digital practices.
Delivering digital services in local languages such as Nepal Bhasa, Maithili, Gurung, and Magar for inclusivity.
Aligning national strategy with emerging technologies like 5G, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence to stay at the forefront of digital advancements.
The Overarching Goal: A Secure, Inclusive, and Innovative Digital Nepal
The ultimate objective of the E-Governance Framework 2081 is to create a secure, inclusive, innovation-friendly, and digitally empowered Nepal. This framework aims to ensure that every Nepalese citizen has equal access to digital services and opportunities, fostering a future where technology serves as a cornerstone of national development and citizen well-being.
For further details, interested Organizations can contact:
Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation)
Center for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CSRI Nepal)
Information Security Response Team Nepal (npCert)
This collaborative blueprint marks a significant stride towards a truly digitally transformed Nepal, promising a future of enhanced transparency, efficiency, and citizen empowerment through technology.
For more: Unlocking Digital Nepal
