In order to implement e-governance, it is necessary to expand information technology at the village level and make the people technology friendly.
Most of the government projects under ICT do not seem to be completely successful. Even ADB and World Bank grant projects seem to be lost in the master plan. No one has an answer as to why the e-governance ADB project failed. But some of the main reasons why e-governance projects are not successful can be as follows.
First of all, the government and the people at the highest levels seem to have no will. They have not been able to assess the proper use and benefits of ICT and if such projects are successful, the country will move forward in terms of transparency and good governance, which is a matter of concern for some people.
Similarly, political will and tension is another major reason. When Dr. HLCIT was disbanded during Baburam Bhattarai’s tenure, with experts alleging that such work was done without any preparation or planning. Manohar Bhattarai, the then vice-president of HCIT, admits this and argues that it was dissolved without looking at its importance.
Two years ago, the Government of Nepal unveiled the Digital Nepal Framework with 8 domains and 80 initiatives. However, its implementation does not seem to have started in a more systematic manner. After Covid 19, some new efforts are being made in information technology and digitization. On this occasion, the government will move towards the full implementation of Digital Nepal.
Similarly, the beginning of any project is done in Nepal without research and excerpts. There is not much investment and time in research, so there are examples of projects that are not very successful. It is seen that work has started on e-governance projects in Hachuwa. According to IT experts, some projects have not been successful due to lack of technical and management expertise. Similarly, experts say that the procurement process in Nepal has been delayed.
IT policies and policy rules also seem to be an obstacle for some work and projects. At the same time, it is natural that in Nepal, which is at the top of corruption, many people have their eyes on every big investment and budget. Tenders and many other reasons for delays and delays can also be among the reasons for project failure.
Two years ago, the Government of Nepal unveiled the Digital Nepal Framework with 8 domains and 80 initiatives. However, its implementation does not seem to have started in a more systematic manner. After Covid 19, some new efforts are being made in information technology and digitization. On this occasion, the government will move towards the full implementation of Digital Nepal.
Problems and Challenges in e-Governance The
information technology sector has always been a victim of neglect as it engages in political transition. Experts believe that many achievements can be made by making this sector a development agenda. “ICT is lagging behind due to the dissolution of existing institutions to fulfill political interests, political recruitment in institutions, financial manipulation in projects worth billions of rupees, etc. It is a shame to enter politics even in the ICT sector ‘, said Prof. Dr. who is also the former executive director of NITC. Says Suvarna Shakya.
He is of the view that programs should be launched at the state level to attract domestic and foreign investment in information technology industries, address the problems seen in IT services import and export and trade and make Nepal a destination in the ICT sector. Similarly, another expert Dr. Manohar Bhattarai also thinks that Nepal should be branded internationally. There is a situation where startup companies have to create a market and be visible. The state has not been able to facilitate them to reach the market. Our embassies, diplomatic missions, foreign organizations and Nepali expatriates can be mobilized for branding. He adds, “But first we have to work on infrastructure and manpower.” Initiatives need to be taken to reduce the reliance on information exchange through international bandwidth.
In order to implement e-governance, it is necessary to expand information technology at the village level and make the people technology friendly. The government has not been able to move ahead with plans to build a broadband data network, open up VoIP technology in rural areas without access to information technology, and use rural information centers as telecentres. Similarly, the lack of payment system and digital signature for big business is also a big challenge.
Credit: ICT
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