Dear Readers,
As we say goodbye to 2080, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredible community and collaborators. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our advocacy for digital rights, and we are deeply grateful.
Throughout 2080, your backing propelled our mission for digital rights, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this journey together in the upcoming year. With gratitude and reflection, we offer warm wishes for a New Year brimming with positivity, shared victories, and strengthened partnerships.
Thank you for being an integral part of Digital Rights Nepal. Here’s to a 2081 filled with continued success, growth, and steadfast advocacy for digital rights.
Happy New Year 2081! |
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Authenticity of NTA Data Questioned
The authenticity of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s (NTA) published reports has come under scrutiny due to errors found in its Management Information System (MIS) report. NTA Chairman Bhandari has acknowledged these errors and expressed the authority’s commitment to refining the MIS report to make it more suitable for study and research purposes. However, concerns have been raised by various stakeholders regarding the reliability of NTA’s reports. Notably, Economist Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle has urged NTA to refrain from publishing data that seems implausible. This concern stems from discrepancies observed in the MIS report, such as the number of active mobile users surpassing the population of Nepal, indicating potential inaccuracies. The chairman’s admission of report errors has further fueled doubts about the reliability and authenticity of NTA publications. Given NTA’s role as the regulatory authority for the telecom and internet sector, it holds the responsibility of providing accurate and reliable data.
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Concerns Raised Over Tax Regulation in Nepal’s IT Sector
The Nepal Association for Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT), along with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), have jointly expressed serious concerns regarding tax compliance issues within the information technology (IT) industry. In a press release, these organizations highlighted instances of what they perceive as undue financial burdens being imposed on IT companies through unconventional tax interpretations and criminal actions by the government. They caution that such measures could deter investors, hinder technological progress, limit job opportunities, and harm Nepal’s economy. The statement stresses the need for fair tax application to foster a conducive investment climate, especially ahead of an upcoming investment conference.
House Committee Approves Expansion of Security Printing Services
The House of Representatives’ Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee has approved a report on the Security Printing Bill, 2077 BS. This bill expands the responsibilities of the Security Printing Center beyond its initial mandate. Initially, the bill required the center to print citizenship certificates, national identity cards, passports, and banknotes exclusively. However, during the committee’s meeting on 8 April, the report was finalized after including the printing of excise stickers and driver’s licenses by the center as well.
Mobile Banking Surges in Nepal: Insights from Nepal Rastra Bank
The Nepal Rastra Bank’s monthly payment system index for Fagun 2080 reveals a remarkable surge in mobile banking transactions across Nepal. The number of mobile banking users has soared to 23,783,389 a significant leap from the 20,065,267 users reported in Fagun of the previous fiscal year 2079/80. Over the past year alone, the mobile banking user base has expanded by 3,718,122 individuals, marking an impressive 18.53 percent increase. Concurrently, the volume of transactions conducted through mobile banking has also seen a substantial rise, as indicated by NRB data. In the current fiscal year, mobile banking transactions have amounted to Rs 291.95 billion, representing a notable escalation from the Rs 191.82 billion recorded in the fiscal year 2079/80.
Explosion Hits Ncell Tower
The District Police Office in Sindhuli has confirmed an explosion at an Ncell tower located in Kamalamai Municipality-4, occurring around 1 am on 4 April. The blast has caused disruptions to Ncell’s mobile service in the vicinity, with the tower’s wires damaged by the explosion. DSP Anil Kumar Khadka revealed that a pamphlet belonging to the Jana Mukti Sena Nepal was discovered at the site of the blast. Authorities are currently conducting a search for those responsible for the incident. This event follows a previous explosion involving a pressure cooker bomb at a Nepal Telecom tower in Dumja of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-1 in Sindhuli on 15 March.
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Opportunities
KMC Launches Mobile Game Development Training Program
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has introduced a training initiative centered on mobile game development to tackle the rising employment hurdles. Through this initiative, KMC seeks to furnish youth with the necessary skills for thriving in the burgeoning mobile game industry. With a comprehensive curriculum comprising 35 training sessions, including software-related courses, KMC aims to empower individuals and bolster the economic landscape of Kathmandu. Prospective candidates are urged to apply for the training, initially accommodating 20 participants as a pilot project.
Register here: इच्छुक फाराम (google.com)
Rightscon Call for Proposal is Open!!
The RightsCon Call for Proposals is now open for the inaugural RightsCon in East Asia (February 2025). The program, reviewed by a team and 50+ thematic experts globally, seeks submissions in categories like Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights-Centered Design. Submit proposals by June 2, 2024, through the RightsCon proposal portal.
To apply: RightsCon Proposal Portal – RightsCon 2025 Call for Proposals (secure-platform.com)
Unraveling Misinformation: Safeguarding Democracy in the 2024 Global Elections
DCN Global launches an initiative to empower media professionals and citizens with tools to navigate the digital landscape during this crucial election year. On April 12th, experts worldwide will discuss media challenges and their impact on voter education and participation. To join the event register here: Meeting Registration – Zoom
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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