Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has announced that the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) 2.0 will be implemented within this year. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Gurung detailed that the DNF 2.0, which has been fully prepared, is set to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for endorsement. This second version of the framework expands upon the original, launched in 2076 BS, by incorporating new domains such as agriculture, health, education, urban infrastructures, energy, tourism, finance, and digital foundation.
The government has projected an expenditure of Rs 107.50 billion for the implementation of DNF 2.0, aiming to utilize it as a cornerstone for the country’s economic transformation and prosperity. Despite the ambitious plan, Minister Gurung acknowledged that no foreign aid has been secured to support the DNF’s objectives, emphasizing that the Ministry will spearhead the enforcement efforts. Sectors included in the DNF 2.0 will collaborate with the Ministry, and a committee led by the Chief Secretary of the Nepal government will be established to oversee the process.
Additionally, Minister Gurung mentioned that a policy document on artificial intelligence (AI) is awaiting Cabinet approval, which is anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of DNF 2.0. The Ministry is also actively working towards digitizing the Postal Service Department and establishing a data center. Efforts are underway to ensure the availability of the 4G network nationwide, and the 5G network has already been launched in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
During the meeting, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal discussed the recent law and policy reforms, while Joint Secretary Kosh Hari Niraula highlighted the need for employees to continuously update their skills. Director General of the Department of Postal Service, Manmaya Pangeni Bhattarai, remarked on the significant advancements in the postal service compared to previous years.