Policy adopted

Private Sector Infrastructure Development, Infrastructure Development, Human Resources, Dissemination of Information Technology (IT) [Education and Health], E-Commerce, Governance, Legislation.

Private Sector infrastructure Development - private sector participation

Infrastructure Development - broadband network, IT multi-media park, telecommunications

Human Resources - education

Dissemination of IT [Education and Health] - education, health, government, rural/urban

E-Commerce - tax incentives, legislation, standards

Governance - policy, governing body

Legislation - legal, domestic/international standards

The National Information Technology (IT) Development Council

This summary is part of a research project carried out between March and October 2006 in support of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), one of The Communication Initiative (The CI)'s partners.

The Government of Nepal is dedicated to successfully integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into a viable policy framework, to increasing access to ICT and employment opportunities for the general public, to transforming Nepal into a knowledge-based society and to creating ICT-based industry.

Private Sector Infrastructure Development

This section is unclear as to the extent of participation allowed. It is noted that ICT policy shall be utilised to create an atmosphere conducive to attracting investment in the private sector.

Infrastructure Development

The Government of Nepal commits itself to creating an information super-highway via a broadband network, an IT multi-media park, and the necessary accompanying telecommunications and electrical services.

Human Resources Development

The Government of Nepal is dedicating itself to addressing ICT in educational institutions at all levels. The strategy will involve compulsory phased IT interventions for teachers and students via public and private initiatives in both public and private institutions.

Dissemination of IT

To fulfil its vision for ICT development, the Government of Nepal wishes to expand the use of and access to ICT within education, health and governmental services. This plan intends to expand services for rural and urban centres. The Government of Nepal intends to use the expanded ICT access to link rural communities with the educational, health and governmental services via the internet.

E-Commerce

The Government of Nepal is dedicated to creating and promoting an appropriate environment for initiating and expanding e-Commerce initiatives and opportunities, through a combination of tax incentives and legislative processes. The purpose of these processes is to protect and meet local and international standards of conduct for ICT, in banking and cultural material, including intellectual property rights.

Governance

A governing body called the National Information Technology Development Council (NITC) will be created by the Government of Nepal to oversee and direct ICT policy and initiatives. The National Information Technology Centre will be created to act as the functionary outlet for regulatory controls of ICT creation, use and distribution.

Legislation

As mentioned above, the Government of Nepal intends to create a suitable and hospitable legal environment for the development and use of ICT material and processes to meet domestic and international standards. A specific provision is made for the review and amendment of legislation every two years.

Title: Information Technology Policy, 2057 (2000)
Year: 2000
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Relevant Links:

• Government of Nepal National Planning Commission
• Asia Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP) - ICT Profile Nepal
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok - ICT in Education - Nepal
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - ICT Country Case Studies - Nepal
• Asia ICT Policy Monitor - ICT Policy in Nepal
• Nepal.IT
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal