Govt committed to reduce digital divide: Minister Dr Timilsina

Kathmandu, May 22: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said the government is committed to expanding information and communication facilities- telephone and internet- in the remote places by ensuring quality service.

In the meeting of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister Dr Timilsina reminded that government had accorded a top priority in the policies and programmes to end digital divide. He vowed utilization of some Rs 16.78 billion collected in the Rural Telecommunications Fund for it.

Expansion of reliable, quality and accessible telecommunication services to remote areas is the government’s priority, he reiterated, adding that an action plan was forwarded to provide modern communications in the far-flung settlements with the expansion of 4G service, establishment of new sites and infrastructural development within a year.

According to the Minister, the Ministry is at work to enforce a plan on expansion of 4G services through 900 MHz frequency, which he believed, would cover more geographical areas with less infrastructures. It will be gradually upgraded to the 5G services. So far, 4G LTE is available at 750 local governments, while all local governments have access to 2G service.

The Committee was made aware that IT was mentioned as a national strategic industry in the policy and programmes presented for the upcoming fiscal year along with concept of making Nepal a ‘tech hub’. Promotion and export of software, digital services, cloud services, cyber security, green computing and AI computation were other issues stressed by government.

Development of digital parks and establishment of high-capacity data centres and digital public infrastructures are equal priorities, he said, adding that the government had advanced a policy of providing financial incentives to the IT export industry along with facilitation in investment, government co-investment and allocation of necessary budget in the field of research and innovation.

All works of the government are currently being done through the Integrated Management Information System. For everyone’s easy access to digital services, Nagarik App had got additional features. The Minister further vowed facilitation to attract investment in the IT sector from non-resident Nepalis and the diaspora.

He shared government’s policy of zero-tolerance towards those who commit financial embezzlement and abuse of authority. Even a study is going on over the embezzlement and misappropriation in the telecommunications sector previously.

No intention to suppress free expression

The government has no intention to suppress freedom of expression, the Minister said, suggesting clarity on definition and scope of freedom of expression. Media too should be aware that the right to individual privacy is not violated while exercising freedom of press, he asserted.

The problems facing journalism would be addressed through the Media Council Bill, the Minister assured the Committee members. He also informed that the government was launching some schemes for the upcoming fiscal year in order to make media more responsible and accountable. Training, fellowship and other programmes were also planned for responsible journalism, according to him.

Committee member Mahabir Pun said suggestions from all stakeholders should be taken into account while making laws related to OTT. Current postal service should be developed as a parcel delivery system, he added.

Dr Achyutam Lamichhane made a query relating to digital address, 5G services and digital payments in public transport.

Committee member Pukar Bam informed that the government and the ruling party were working closely on the development of IT sector, including artificial intelligence. It was essential to increase budget for research, he suggested.

According to him, there is a huge potential that Nepal can attract investment in IT sector from overseas Nepalis.

Lawmaker Ramesh Kumar Malla demanded expansion of fibre networks in all provinces.

Similarly, lawmaker Pramila Kumari Gachhadar complained over low budget expenditure at Ministry of Communications.

Lawmaker Guru Prasad Baral said quality results were awaited in digital infrastructures.

Moreover, Committee member Rajan Gautam said that 4G expansion was weak compared to government statistics. Enforcement of Electronic Transactions Act was also not satisfactory. Cyber security and data privacy warrant proper attention, he suggested.

Lawmaker Prof Dr Chandra Mohan Yadav raised the issue of disconnection of mobile service in various parts of the country. We have potential of creating jobs in IT sectors in Nepal, he observed.