Kathmandu: Information and Communication Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina announced the government’s plan to develop the Security Printing Center into a self-reliant and professional entity during a National Assembly meeting. A budget allocation of Rs 220 million has been set for the Center in the fiscal year 2026/27.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Timilsina highlighted the government’s aim to reduce reliance on foreign printing by enhancing domestic security-related printing capabilities. Responding to MP Roshni Meche’s concerns about the budget allocation for a ‘Mobile Frequency Monitoring Van’ and the Security Printing Center, he assured that the budget would be used transparently and efficiently.
Minister Timilsina stated that the government is committed to frugality, transparency, and good governance. He emphasized that investment in educational materials and communication infrastructure serve distinct purposes and are not interchangeable.
The Minister informed that 2.4 million smart vehicle driver licenses and 3.5 million postal stamps have already been produced at the Center. He clarified that the budget is intended as a capital investment to meet legal obligations, not for operating expenses.
Minister Timilsina outlined plans for the Center to produce additional security documents, such as excise duty tickets, citizenship, and national ID cards, highlighting the current production capacity’s insufficiency to meet demand.
He underscored the strategic investment in the Security Printing Center, which aims to generate revenue, save foreign currency, and ensure a solid return on investment. The goal is to develop the Center into a self-sufficient, profit-driven entity, enhancing the state’s financial capabilities and supporting further investments in education and health.
Discussing the upcoming ‘Mobile Frequency Monitoring Van,’ Minister Timilsina explained its role as a mobile laboratory for monitoring the ‘Radio Spectrum.’ He emphasized the necessity of a radio frequency monitoring system as per International Telecommunication Union recommendations.
Minister Timilsina revealed plans to acquire a mobile frequency monitoring system to manage the ‘radio spectrum,’ identify unlicensed systems, and control frequency interference. The system will also assist in regulating modern wireless services, improving telecommunication quality, and increasing revenue from licenses and spectrum fees.
He mentioned that frequency and spectrum management directly contributes around four billion 150 million rupees annually, indirectly supporting about 1.5 percent of the country’s GDP. The new system aims to control unlicensed frequency use, increase revenue, and resolve harmful interference.
Minister Timilsina also noted the current van’s purchase in 2001 with World Bank support, committing to address ministry-related issues and concerns proactively.