Kathmandu. Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said that information technology has become a basic need of the citizens.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Ninth National Information and Communication Technology Day, 2083 BS today, President Bhandari said that the role of information technology has become indispensable for good governance, effective service delivery, economic development, promotion of entrepreneurship and citizen empowerment in the digital age.

On the occasion, Minister Timilsina said that the government was moving ahead to make the public service system more simple, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly by implementing the goal of building digital Nepal. To achieve this goal, the development of a long-term IT strategy for the next decade and the development of digital public infrastructure are high priorities.

On the occasion, Minister Timilsina said that the system of providing essential services of the state through a single digital platform is being expanded by making the citizen app more robust and effective. He also accelerated reforms in national AI policy, cybersecurity policy, and ICT legal and institutional structure to make Nepal a regional hub for digital innovation, IT services, data economy and artificial intelligence (AI).

The government has prioritized building a safe, reliable, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem, he pledged to bridge the digital divide through expansion of high-speed broadband internet throughout the country, strengthening government data centers and disaster recovery systems, enhancing digital literacy and producing skilled human resources.

He also said that the government aims to create employment in the information technology sector, promote youth talents, develop start-ups and establish it as a new growth engine of the national economy.

Stating that digital transformation was not possible through the government’s sole efforts, he said collaboration among private sector, academic institutions, development partners, media, technology community and citizens was essential. He also appealed to all to join hands in the common journey of building a prosperous, modern and digital Nepal.