Minister Kharel Highlights Efforts to Advance Nepal as a ‘Digital Highway’

Kathmandu: Communications and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel has stated that Nepal is being guided toward becoming a ‘Digital Highway.’ Speaking at a meeting with the winners of the ICT Award–2025 at the ministry on Sunday, Minister Kharel mentioned that policy reforms for Digital Nepal are underway.

Minister Kharel said, “We are working on a roadmap for Digital Nepal to advance the country, and its future lies in the individuals and organizations who are contributing innovative work in the field of information technology.” He assured that the Ministry of Communications would act as a connecting bridge for the development of the IT sector, facilitating coordination with relevant ministries.

He highlighted that insufficient budget, policy complications, and delays in policy implementation have hindered proper development and progress in the IT sector. He also shared that within three months of the government formation, the ‘National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy’ was approved, marking preparations for policy arrangements for Digital Nepal.

The minister noted that the ministry’s interaction with the award winners signifies the state’s recognition of the sector. “Your recognition under the leadership of a private organization also reflects the state’s appreciation, as the government is involved in this process. We listened to your questions and suggestions for one and a half hours,” he said.

Minister Kharel emphasized that for the development of IT and the building of Digital Nepal, experts and stakeholders in this field must collaborate with the government in innovation, startups, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Regarding the upcoming elections on Falgun 21, he mentioned that while using IT for voting would have been appropriate, lack of consensus made it impossible this time. He urged that the upcoming election is a suitable opportunity to choose capable leaders and send them to parliament.