CAN Federation, CSRI Nepal, NPCERT submit 41 strategic recommendations to enhance public digital service delivery

KATHMANDU: Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), Center for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CSRI Nepal) and Information Security Response Team Nepal (NPCERT) have submitted 41 strategic recommendations to enhance public digital service delivery in line with the draft E-Governance Blueprint 2081.

This initiative, taken by three major organisations in Nepal’s ICT sector, aims to realise a digitally empowered Nepal and make governance more digital, transparent and citizen-centric. The reform blueprint was presented to Choodamani Paudel, Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), on Friday after extensive consultations with government ministries, autonomous bodies, experts and stakeholders. The recommendations stem from the first meeting of the E-Governance Commission chaired by the Prime Minister on April 30, 2023.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President and Senior Vice President of CAN Federation, emphasised the importance of adopting a “Digital by Default” policy. He highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships and the “One Citizen – One Dashboard” concept as key drivers of inclusive digital governance, while also stressing the need for enhanced cybersecurity, improved digital literacy and the adoption of technologies such as AI and blockchain.

Shaligram Parajuli, President of CSRI Nepal, stated that the blueprint aligns with the Digital Nepal Framework and called for a robust data exchange platform and the removal of redundancy to bolster public service efficiency. Similarly, Dr Rajib Subba, President of NPCERT, underlined the need for stringent cybersecurity standards, comprehensive data protection policies and secure cross-border data transfer protocols.

Industry representatives also supported the blueprint. Suman K Sharma, CEO of Insight Technology, described the document as a “milestone” in the journey towards Digital Nepal and urged increased investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. Chandra Bilash Bhurtel, General Secretary of CAN Federation, reiterated that private sector participation is crucial for realising Nepal’s digital vision.

OPMCM Secretary Paudel acknowledged the valuable contributions and assured that the government is committed to public-private collaboration. He confirmed that the recommendations would be incorporated to ensure that the final E-Governance Blueprint is both effective and impactful. The blueprint outlines strategic measures across governance structures, legal reforms, skill enhancement, technology standards, implementation monitoring, innovation and international cooperation, along with initiatives to transition to a “Digital by Default” government, establish a national shared cloud platform, expand rural internet access and deliver citizen-centric digital services.

The draft E-Governance Blueprint 2081 seeks to create a secure, inclusive, innovation-friendly and digitally empowered Nepal, ensuring every citizen has equal access to digital services and opportunities. The submission of these 41 recommendations marks a significant step towards realising that vision.

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