MoCIT Rolls Out Comprehensive 10-Point Digital Reform Plan for Citizen-Centric Services
All government ministries and subordinate bodies have submitted work plans outlining 10 priority reform activities to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, following the formation of the new government. Among them, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) has unveiled a 10-point digital reform plan aimed at enhancing public service delivery by making it more efficient, transparent, technology-driven, and citizen-centric. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader 100-point good governance reform roadmap.
A key reform includes launching an integrated system through the Nagarik App within 45 days, connecting services like police reports, passports, and driving licenses. Postal services will be upgraded into a national courier system within 90 days to deliver official documents across all 77 districts and transport medical samples. To reduce delays, driving licenses will be printed within 24 hours, with a target to clear 2.9 million pending licenses by mid-July 2026.
Plans in the telecom sector include better mobile data services, 90% usage alerts, PAYG control options, and a shift toward subscription-based models. Over 250 government websites and apps will be made more user-friendly and accessible within 30 days, alongside reforms in 4G services, One-Time KYC implementation, and full digitization of telecom services such as eSIM, SIM recovery, and complaint handling. One Stop Service centers will also be established in all Nepal Telecom offices. The ministry also plans to draft key laws on digital governance, cybersecurity, data protection, and AI within 90 days.
Through these reforms, the government aims to ensure efficient, accessible, and technology-driven public service delivery across Nepal. There are also concerns about the lack of clear provisions for stakeholder engagement, including civil society, technical experts, and affected communities, which are essential for inclusive and participatory governance. Without meaningful consultation, there is a risk that policies may overlook ground realities, digital divides, and the needs of marginalized groups. Additionally, rapid digitization without robust accountability and grievance redress mechanisms could further exclude those with limited digital access or literacy, potentially reinforcing existing inequalities.
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UML Women Lawmakers Urge Action Against Rising Cyberbullying
Female lawmakers from the CPN-UML parliamentary group submitted a memorandum to the Cyber Bureau on April 6, calling for urgent measures to address increasing cyberbullying and online abuse against women and girls. They highlighted growing harassment, hate speech, and threats on social media, warning of serious impacts on victims’ mental health and safety. The seven-point demand includes swift investigation of complaints, improved reporting and support systems, and strict action against offenders, along with stronger monitoring and awareness programs. Lawmaker Ram Kumari Jhankri said cyberbullying has become increasingly severe, involving direct threats and intimidation, and urged immediate police action and stronger legal and policy responses to ensure women’s online safety.
Rising Cybersecurity Threats in Fintech in Early 2026
A report by Nepal-based cybersecurity company Bhairav Tech highlights growing global fintech security risks in the first quarter of 2026. Between January 1 and March 27, a total of 55 verified cyberattacks were recorded across 13 countries, compromising the personal and financial data of over 20 million users.
The report identifies SSO vishing as the most dangerous attack method, putting assets worth $324 billion at risk. It also notes that AI-driven fraud campaigns are significantly more effective than traditional methods. Additionally, vulnerabilities in decentralized finance (DeFi) systems led to the theft of over $500 million in digital assets. According to CEO Vijay Limbu, modern cyberattacks are increasingly targeting user trust rather than just technical systems, signaling the need for a strategic shift in cybersecurity approaches.
Supreme Court Petition Challenges Government Ban on Ads to Private Media
A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to restrict public advertisements to state-owned media outlets. The Nepal Media Society filed the petition on April 6, arguing that the directive violates constitutional guarantees of press freedom and freedom of expression.
The challenged decision, issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Chaitra 18, directs all government bodies and public agencies to publish advertisements only through state-run media, including Gorkhapatra Sansthan, Radio Nepal, and Nepal Television. The petition claims the move is illegal and inconsistent with the Constitution of Nepal and the Advertising Regulation Act, and has sought a prohibitory-cum-interim order to suspend its implementation. On April 8, the Supreme Court scheduled a preliminary hearing, with a bench led by Justice Meghraj Pokharel summoning the government for discussions on whether to issue an interim order on April 13.
Koshi Province Passes Mass Communication Bill Unanimously
The Koshi Provincial Assembly unanimously passed the “Bill on Arrangements Related to Mass Communication of Koshi Province” on April 6. The bill was approved following a proposal by Internal Affairs and Law Minister Indramani Parajuli. Earlier, the Judiciary and Legislation Committee had submitted its report on the bill. Although it was opened for discussion, no members participated before its unanimous adoption.
Nepal Rastra Bank Eases Forex Rules for IT Sector with $3,000 Prepaid Card
Nepal Rastra Bank has introduced new directives easing foreign currency restrictions for the ICT sector, marking a significant boost for Nepal’s digital economy. The key provision is a $3,000 IT prepaid card for annual payments on digital services, aimed at supporting startups, freelancers, and IT companies. The revised framework also allows higher limits for exporters and institutional payments, including up to $100,000 annually for software purchases and $25,000 for individuals earning online. Exporters can access enhanced credit facilities, while foreign currency loan conversions and simplified visa-related card services have also been introduced.
Nepal Police Introduces Phone and SMS Updates for Service Users
Nepal Police has launched a new system to provide service-related updates through phone calls and SMS, aiming to make services more efficient and citizen-friendly. According to Police Headquarters, users who file complaints, FIRs, applications, or grievances will now receive updates on the status and progress of their cases directly via their registered contact numbers. The initiative is aimed to reduce the need for repeated visits to police offices, helping save time and improve service delivery.
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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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