PM Oli calls for increasing investment in ICT sector

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged foreign investors to invest in Nepal’s science and technology sector, highlighting the development of roads, electricity, and other infrastructure in the country.  

Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) to mark National Information and Communication Technology Day today, PM Oli called on the public to embrace the concept of "one step forward every day" to modernise Nepal and advance its technological sector.  

He stressed the importance of expanding access to information and communication technology to enhance good governance, development, and efficient service delivery.  

"Our nation is fertile and life-supporting. There is immense potential for investment here. Let us work with the confidence that we can achieve something within our lifetime, and our journey will undoubtedly move towards progressive steps," Oli said, adding that the use of IT is growing in all sectors, including education.  

Referring to the issue of 52% of students failing the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), The PM noted that online classes on key subjects were introduced last year as an individual initiative. He underscored that such initiatives, undertaken with good intentions, must not allow students’ futures to be left in uncertainty—they should instead be encouraged.  

Oli stressed the need to establish a secure data system, stating that the development of IT is itself a response to those who claim that people’s standard of living has not improved despite political changes.  

"We have come a long way from needing a government minister’s recommendation to obtain a telephone connection. Efforts have also begun to send our own satellite into space. A new generation of capable individuals has been prepared in this field," he said.  

The Prime Minister further remarked: "Let us move forward with confidence. We will focus on producing and training more skilled human resources in the information technology sector. For the country’s prosperity, information and communication technology must be expanded and utilised for development and good governance in every corner. People must also remain cautious against the misuse of information and technology to harass individuals."  

On the occasion, Oli inaugurated the integration of Bagmati province government’s driving licence and Blue Book (certificate of vehicle ownership) with the Nagarik App.  

Prof Dr Shashidhar Ram Joshi and several individuals and organisations were honoured with the National Information Technology Award. 

By RSS