Budget Aims to Develop Nation as IT Hub In Next Decade: PM Dahal
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has laid out an ambitious vision for Nepal's future as a hub of information technology (IT). Speaking at the 'Digital Nepal Conclave 2024' organized by the ICT Foundation, he highlighted the government's goal to significantly boost the IT sector over the next decade. This vision includes creating a robust legal framework for IT innovation, ensuring data security and intellectual property protection, and providing high-speed internet access across key regions such as Kathmandu Valley and Butwal.
The government's fiscal budget aims to establish IT as a cornerstone of economic growth. Key targets include the export of IT services worth Rs 3,000 billion in the next fiscal year and the creation of 500,000 direct and 1 million indirect jobs in the IT sector. These measures are designed to foster a digital economy, stimulate job creation, and drive innovation.
Institutional measures will revise the 'Digital Nepal Framework,' prioritizing the use of locally developed software by public entities and upgrading the government's data center to enhance data storage, security, and utilization. The government has also established a fund of one billion rupees to promote startups and innovation across the seven provinces, marking a historic commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Prime Minister Dahal emphasized the importance of digital governance in building a corruption-free society, improving service delivery, and enhancing intergovernmental coordination. He encouraged youths and entrepreneurs to actively participate in these socio-economic transformation efforts, assuring them of the government's readiness to address policy-level issues in the IT sector.
The Digital Nepal Conclave 2024 features discussions on digitalization and development, the digital economy, investment in Digital Nepal, digital empowerment, and inclusion in sustainable development, with over 600 IT sector representatives participating. This event underscores the government's dedication to harmonizing digitalization and development as part of Nepal's broader economic strategy.
