National AI policy to be long-term and effective: Minister Gurung

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung pledged to collect suggestions from the experts and stakeholders on the draft of the ‘National Artificial Intelligence Policy-2081BS’ to frame a long-term and effective policy.

At a discussion held at his office in Singha Durbar today, Minister Gurung assured that all the provisions needed for the AI sector will be incorporated into the policy. Emphasizing the AI Policy, the Minister said, ‘AI policy is the need of the hour. Hence, we should work on it without leaving out essential topics. The policy should be robust and comprehensive.’

Presenting a working paper containing recommendations on the draft, N. Hub’s Founder Dilip Bhattarai urged for a clear vision regarding AI considering aspects such as AI’s future, its challenges and opportunities.

The participants of the discussion also drew the attention of the Minister towards data security and confidentiality measures within the AI policy framework.

Similarly, Gajendra Kumar Thakur, Joint-Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology shared that they were considering consulting the stakeholders to prepare a strong policy on AI. Suggestions have been solicited from experts so far, he informed, adding that preparation was afoot to consult stakeholders and gather their inputs to refine the draft.

Likewise, Anil Kumar Dutta, Joint Secretary at the Ministry, mentioned that the Ministry was working actively towards formulating an effective AI Policy recognizing AI as a cause for concern and a critical need for all. Dr Shaligram Parajuli, an IT expert at the Ministry, suggested that the AI sector should be taken forward as an ”autonomous body” and devise the AI policy reflecting the sentiments and essence of suggestions collected from the public.

RSS