Kathmandu, Feb. 6
The government has
finalised the draft of National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, 2081 with
multiple layers of organisational structures to govern and regulate the sector,
and to ensure quality development.
The draft of the policy
made public by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT)
this week has proposed to establish an AI Centre of Excellence at the
universities at the federal and provincial levels to facilitate the study,
research and development of AI.
The policy was drafted
within the period recommended by the concept paper on 'Use and Practice of
Artificial Intelligence in Nepal' prepared by the MoCIT in August 2024.
The note had recommended
drafting a national policy on AI within six months, a
national strategy within one year and a separate law within two years.
While neighbouring countries such as India,
China, and Bangladesh, along with 69 other nations worldwide, have formulated
strategies and laws regarding artificial intelligence, Nepal lacks such a
framework, noted the concept note.
According to the policy
draft, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence is proposed to conduct
cutting-edge research and development in AI technology, to conduct training and
workshops to develop AI-related skills for students and researchers and to
manage data used in AI research and development, prioritising data privacy,
ethics and transparency.
Likewise, such centres
are expected to provide necessary suggestions and recommendations for policy
formulation, ensure quality and safety in the use of AI technology, enhance the
capacity of local researchers and institutions, utilise AI technology in
health, education, agriculture and other social sectors, and collaborate with
national and international research institutions.
Formation of
Regulation Council
To regulate the sector,
a regulation council will be formed while the proposed National AI Centre will
serve as the secretariat of the council.
The Council with at
least 15 members will be chaired by the Minister for Communication and
Information Technology and will include the governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank,
secretaries of the Prime Minister's Office, the MoCIT, the Ministry of Finance,
National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies
and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, CEO of E-Governance
Board, Chairperson of Nepal Telecommunication Authority, representatives from
the private sector associations and experts. The Chief of the National AI
Centre, an agency under the MoCIT, will be the member secretary.
Earlier, in August 2024,
the concept paper on the "Use and Practice of Artificial Intelligence in
Nepal" suggested establishing a designated focal body for AI within a
year.
"It appears necessary
to establish a dedicated body for AI-driven economic transformation, policy and
legal management, and planning. This body should also include a working group
comprising relevant stakeholders and experts," recommended the concept
paper.
Meanwhile, Minister for
Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung had expressed
his commitment to refine the policy through the suggestions from the
stakeholders in the sector so that it would be a foundation for the sustainable
development in AI in Nepal.
Through the policy draft,
the government has vowed to make necessary legal arrangements to implement it.
"This policy will serve as a guideline for the provincial and local
levels. They will be able to carry out policy adaptation and customisation
after assessing their region's geographical, economic, social, cultural and
managerial situation," read the draft.
In addition to the regular
budget and human resources of the relevant ministries and agencies for the
implementation of this policy, additional budget and human resources will be
ensured as required.
The policy has accorded
priority to legal and institutional arrangement to build a safe and sustainable
AI ecosystem and infrastructure development and data management for AI
development and use.
It also highlights the
promotion of study, research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of
AI, and creation of human resource and organisation of capacity building and
creation of continuous utility environment.
"The use of AI
technology will be promoted to enhance sectoral development, improve the
quality of public services and increase overall productivity. Coordination and
collaboration will be carried out at the national and international levels for
the development and safe use of AI," read the document.
The draft of the policy has
identified lack of access to infrastructure for the general public, knowledge
and skills related to AI, and lack of awareness and understanding about the
potential benefits and risks of AI amongst the general public as the problems
in the development of this sector.
It has also noted that AI’s
use is being limited to certain groups leading to inequality while it has also contributed
to increased unemployment and widening the skills gap. Likewise, lack of trust
in AI systems due to potential biases and lack of transparency, and concerns
about the potential misuse of AI for surveillance and manipulation are also
listed as other problems.
According to it, ensuring
ethical development and use of AI, managing high costs, resources and
infrastructure required for its development are the challenges to the country.
Other challenges include ensuring
adequate collaboration and coordination between different sectors in AI
research, development and application, protecting trademarks, patents, and
intellectual property related to AI and preventing infringement or misuse, and producing
a sufficient number of skilled professionals for the contemporary use and
development of AI.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 February 2025.
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