Review of Nepal’s FY 2081/82 Budget from ICT and Digital Rights Lenses The budget for fiscal year 2081/82 emphasizes transformative goals for Nepal’s ICT sector, allocating Rs 7.25 billion to the Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology (MoCIT), a slight decrease from last year’s Rs 8.71 billion. Key initiatives include expanding broadband to community schools, health facilities, and ward centers, inclusive technology access for underprivileged groups, women, and remote communities, constructing IT parks and data centers with Rs 17 crore for a knowledge park in Lalitpur, and offering free workspace for IT companies for three years. The budget also promotes locally developed software, establishes a new government data center, supports digital sovereignty, and enhances data security with Rs 59 crore for the Digital Nepal Framework. Plans for e-commerce and media development include transforming the postal service into an e-commerce hub, developing a competitive media sector, and supporting startups through dividend tax exemptions and the establishment of a Nepal Startup Trust. The government aims to export Rs 3 trillion worth of ICT services over the next decade, creating 500,000 direct jobs and 1,000,000 indirect jobs. Additional measures include establishing a robust legal framework for AI development, implementing electronic tax submissions, offering VAT refunds for digital payments, expanding digital and mobile banking services in remote areas, and ensuring ICT access for underserved groups. National ID cards will be mandatory for accessing various government services and will be integrated with passports, social security, and PAN cards. The digital service tax scope has been increased to Rs 3 million annually for transactions of electronic services provided by non-resident persons to consumers in Nepal. The budget emphasizes regulatory improvements, promoting innovation, and enhancing digital rights through better infrastructure and inclusive policies. Government has a history of making ambitious plans that often fall short in execution. For these digital rights initiatives to truly transform Nepal into an IT hub and bridge the digital divide, a strong commitment to implementation, continuous monitoring, and transparent governance will be essential. Only through diligent execution can these commendable plans translate into tangible benefits for all citizens. | | | World Bank Supported Digital Star Project to Propel Digital Nepal Framework After failure of the Digital Nepal Acceleration (DNA) project, Nepal Government and World Bank are developing a new US$ 60 Million project entitled ‘Digital Star’, to advance the Digital Nepal Framework more effectively. Nepal had to return $140 million due to non-implementation of DNA Project. In response, the World Bank proposed the Digital Star program under a different implementation modality. The Digital Star will focus on cyber security infrastructure, policy making, digital literacy, and professional training. NIC Directed to Register RTI Application Received Through Email
The National Information Commission (NIC) has ordered government agencies to register applications received via email and provide a registration number to the applicant. The NIC has instructed federal, provincial, and local public bodies to comply with Section 19(e) of the Right to Information Act, 2064 BS. NIC emphasizes that public bodies should facilitate and inform citizens effectively, and right to information applications, whether received by email, post, or other means, must be recorded, and a registration number be provided. | | | Successful Conclusion of Digital Rights School in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim
On the second leg of the Nepal Digital Rights School initiative, Digital Rights Nepal (DRN), in collaboration with the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, has successfully concluded a two-day intensive Digital Rights School in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim. This program provided youth with essential digital literacy skills, promoted safe online practices, and increased awareness of digital rights and responsibilities. Furthermore, the establishment of the Digital Rights Advocates Network in Sudurpaschim represents a significant milestone in continuing this crucial work.
#NepalDRS2024 #digitalrightsschoolnp24 | | | The Digital Border: Migration, Technology and Inequality Amnesty International’s ” The Digital Border: Migration, Technology and Inequality” report sheds light on how technology exacerbates inequality amidst global human rights violations. The report delves into the intersection of migration, technology, and inequality, illustrating how technology contributes to rights violations at borders. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of digital rights and the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants within a broader trend of marginalized peoples’ criminalization facilitated by new technology. For more: The-Digital-Border-Migration-Technology-and-Inequality-1.pdf (amnestyusa.org) | | | 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. | | | |
