Information Technology Policy, 2057 (2000)

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Information Technology Policy, 2057 (2000)

1. Vision

To place Nepal on the Global Map of Information Technology within the next five years.

2. Background

As a developing country, Nepal has availed of the opportunity to rapidly develop various sectors

such as education, health, agriculture, tourism, trade, among others, using information

technology. The extensive application of this technology will engender economic consolidation,

development of democratic norms and values, proportional distribution of economic resources

and means and enhancement of public awareness, thereby raising living standards and, most

importantly, contribute significantly to poverty alleviation. The establishment of a vibrant

information technology will mitigate some of the disadvantages Nepal faces on account of its

geographical conditions. In the coming years, globally, there will be a significant difference

between the economic conditions of countries with developed information technology and that of

countries lagging behind in this field. The persistence of such disparities between countries will

be difficult to accept even by the developed countries. It is very possible that the international

community will extend its support to developing countries in the development of information

technology. Such assistance will certainly be significant for the national development of a least

developed country like Nepal. Hence, an information technology policy is required to develop

information technology in the shortest time possible for the sake of the national economy.

3. Objectives

The information technology policy shall be developed to attain the following objectives.

3.1 To make information technology accessible to the general public and increase

employment through this means.

3.2 To build a knowledge-based society.

3.3 To establish knowledge-based industries.

4. Strategies

The information technology strategies adopted to accomplish the above-mentioned objectives of

rapid development and expansion of information technology in a fair and competitive

environment shall be the following:

4.1 The government will act as a promoter, facilitator, and regulator.

4.2 Carry on research, develop and expand information technology with a high

priority to participation of the private sector.

4.3 Prepare capable manpower with the involvement of both public and private

sectors for sustainable development and expansion of information technology.

4.4 Encourage native and foreign investment for the development of information technology

and infrastructure pertaining to information technology.

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4.5 Place Nepal on the global map through information technology.

4.6 Legalize and promote e-commerce.

4.7 Assist in e-governance by using information technology.

4.8 Utilize information technology in the development of rural areas.

4.9 Promote information technology industries.

4.10 Create a healthy, competitive environment for information technology service providers

and provide them speedy and qualitative service at a reasonable cost.

4.11 Include computer education in curriculum from the school level.

4.12 Enhance professional efficiency through the use of information technology.

4.13 Expand the information technology network