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Government Unveiled FY 2081/82 Plans and program: ICT and Digitization in Priority
On May 14, 2024, President Ram Chandra Poudel presented the Government’s plans and programs for the upcoming FY 2081/82 at a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly. The government has prioritized Digitization and application of ICT in governance and public service delivery. The major policies and programs related to digitization and use of ICT includes implementation of an automated digital system for streamlined national and foreign investment approval and efforts to ensure smooth access to vital data by integrating information from all levels into the national information system. Additionally, the government aims to establish a comprehensive market information system to gather, analyze, and project agricultural data, launch a National Campaign for Innovation and Startups in partnership with the private sector alongside a National Startup Enterprise Policy, and prioritize improving the accessibility, safety, and efficiency of public transport via a digital management system.
Other initiatives include enhancing legal and institutional arrangements to ensure the safe and effective use of communication technology, drafting laws on e-governance and data protection, expanding broadband internet and high-capacity optical fiber networks, and introducing satellite-based internet service in remote areas. The government also plans to implement cybersecurity measures, expand digital literacy programs, link the national identity card system with public services and government electronic systems, and integrate information technology in election management.
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Court Dismisses Worldlink’s Petitions, Government Set to Collect Royalties
The Supreme Court of Nepal has rejected all eight writ petitions filed by Worldlink Communications, challenging the government’s imposition of Rural Telecommunications Development Fee and royalty charges on maintenance fees collected by ISPs. This decision, made by a division bench comprising Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Dr Nahakul Subedi, paves the way for the government to collect Rs 3.64 billion in royalties and rural telecommunications development fees from various ISPs.
WorldLink Communications owes over 1.96 billion, with other ISPs like Vianet Communication, Subisu, Classic Tech, and others collectively owing substantial amounts. The dispute revolved around whether maintenance services provided by ISPs should be classified as telecommunications services, leading to debates over fee payment obligations. Illegal Betting Platform Agent Arrested in Kathmandu Valley
An agent affiliated with the illegal betting platform 1 X Bet, identified as 24-year-old Anil Dhungana, was apprehended by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. Dhungana, a resident of Kavrepalanchok, has allegedly conducted transactions exceeding two billion rupees in illegal online betting since 2019. Investigations reveal Dhungana operated 56 bank accounts, 15 wallets, and two Binance accounts over a four-year span. Dhungana utilized 11 Connect IPS accounts under different names to link 55 bank accounts, primarily conducting transactions exceeding 48 crores through Connect IPS-enabled banks.
CIAA Files Corruption Charges Against Former Security Printing Centre Officials
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed corruption charges against former executive director Bikal Poudel, director Safal Shrestha, and others. The charges relate to alleged misappropriation in the procurement of security printing press-related machinery items, with the intention to cause a loss to the government totaling over Rs 470 million. CIAA stated that the accused individuals embezzled funds during procurement.
Supreme Court Launches Online Case Filing System
Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha inaugurated the online case registration system in the Supreme Court of Nepal. This system aims to expedite the case registration process, initially allowing for the filing of writ petitions. However, the court plans to extend this service to other case types as well. By enabling online filing, the system eliminates the need to physically appear in court, facilitating easier access from anywhere in Nepal. To utilize this system, users need to create a user ID and password, enabling them to register cases online.
Hearing on Writ Petitions against TikTok Ban Postponed Again
The scheduled hearing on the writ petitions challenging the decision of the Nepal government to ban TikTok has been postponed again. The hearing scheduled on 9 May 2024 could not take place due to an absence of the bench. This is the third time the scheduled hearing was cancelled. The next hearing is scheduled on September 26, 2024.
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Exciting Opportunity!!!
Join the Digital Rights School Across Nepal
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN), is excited to announce a series of two-day intensive Digital Rights Schools across Nepal. Our goal is to empower young people with essential digital literacy skills, promote safe online practices, and raise awareness about digital rights and responsibilities. Join us in these transformative events to shape a safer and more inclusive digital landscape.
Why Digital Rights School:
– Skill Enhancement: Enhance your digital literacy and security skills.
– Rights Knowledge: Understand and defend your digital rights.
– Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced digital rights and tech professionals.
– Networking: Connect with peers and industry experts.
-Practical Learning: Engage in hands-on, interactive sessions.
-Advocacy: Become a champion for equitable digital practices.
Event Details:
American Corner Surkhet – Karnali Province
Date: 24 -25th May
Location: Surkhet, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Dhangadhi – Sudurpaschim Province
Date: 27- 28th May
Location: Dhangadhi, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Pokhara – Gandaki Province
Date: Last week of June
Location: Pokhara, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Bhairahawa – Lumbini Province
Date: Last week of June
Location: Bhairahawa, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
Madesh Province- Janakpur
Date: Last week of July
Location: Janakpur, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
American Corner Biratnagar – Koshi Province
Date: Last week of July
Location: Biratnagar, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
i-Hub Kathmandu: Bagmati Province
Date: Second week of September
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Availability: 30 Seats
Who May Apply:
-Nepali youth aged 18-45 with an interest in digital rights and digital safety
-Individuals with basic digital literacy skills.
-Members of civil society organizations, student groups, or tech enthusiasts.
Please Note:
-Limited seats are available, priority will be given to applicants demonstrating a strong interest and commitment to the objectives of the Digital Rights School.
-Long distance travel expenses and accomodation will not be covered. Thus, individuals are encouraged to apply for the school organized in the province they are located.
Apply from here https://school.digitalrightsnepal.org/application by May 20
Embrace this opportunity to contribute to a safer digital future for Nepal. Apply now and join the movement!
#opportunity #DigitalRights #DigitalSafety
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Publication
Violence & internet shutdowns in 2023: the worst year on record
In 2023, internet shutdowns reached a record high with 283 interruptions in 39 countries, exacerbating violence, war crimes, and attacks on democracy, affecting millions. The report “Shrinking Democracy, Growing Violence: Internet Shutdowns in 2023” by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition highlights these human rights violations. Countries involved include Algeria, India, Iran, and, for the first time, Nepal. Government of Nepal decision to ban Tiktok is included in this report.
To access full report: 2023-KIO-Report.pdf (accessnow.org) |
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| Happy World Telecommunication and Information Society Day! Join us in celebrating #WTISD to make “Digital innovation for sustainable development” a reality.
Let’s work together to ensure digital rights for all and promote technology for a better, more sustainable future! 💻🌍 #DigitalRights #SustainableDevelopment |
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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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