Govt to launch 'Nagarik Chautari' digital platform to connect citizens with state

KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to roll out a new digital platform, 'Nagarik Chautari', that will allow Nepali citizens at home and abroad to engage directly with state activities and public policy, officials said on Wednesday.

Prakriti Dhakal, personal deputy secretary to the Prime Minister Balendra Shah, said the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has completed preparations to release a primary (beta) version of the platform. She said the system will go beyond policy dialogue to provide easy access to government plans, policies and practices.

Officials said Nagarik Chautari will enable citizens to submit inputs and recommendations directly to government agencies, while allowing the state to receive explicit public support and expand citizens’ sense of ownership over public initiatives.

“With this platform, citizens can raise the challenges facing different parts of the country, benefit from two-way communication and directly recommend practical resolving measures to the government through a mobile phone or computer,” Dhakal said. “Through this digital platform, the government can also search for talented and hardworking volunteers willing to contribute to the country's development. Nepali citizens, at home and abroad, would be able to contribute their expertise to the country's development through this platform.”

Dr Pukar Malla, a member of the National Planning Commission, welcomed the initiative and said he expects the platform to strengthen good governance and make government policies and services more citizen-friendly and results-oriented. He added that the system would increase transparency in public service delivery and encourage participatory development.

The platform is being designed for simplicity and ease of use, and authorities plan to complement the online system with direct in-person programmes to engage citizens across the country. The government has not yet announced an exact public launch date for the beta release.

By RSS