E-governance blueprint should be more inclusive

 Kathmandu, Mar. 25

The Information Security Response Team Nepal (NPCERT) and the Centre for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation (CSRI) Nepal have provided their recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and security of the government's E-Governance Blueprint 2081.

These two institutions have shared their perspectives and suggestions to make the blueprint more inclusive, effective and future-oriented.

The E-Governance Board, under the Prime Minister's Office, had introduced the draft of the E-Governance Blueprint with a strategy to enhance economic transparency and competitiveness through electronic governance.

In the process of collecting feedback from stakeholders, CSRI Nepal and NPCERT have emphasised the need to focus on strengthening institutional structures, cybersecurity and risk management.

The NPCERT has highlighted the necessity of clarifying the roles of government bodies while stressing the need to strengthen institutional structures and enhance cybersecurity. It has suggested establishing a central body based on legal frameworks to effectively monitor e-governance programmes and improve coordination between ministries and departments.

To make the E-Governance Blueprint clearer and more specific, NPCERT has recommended aligning it with the Digital Nepal Framework.

Likewise, it has proposed the establishment of a national data centre, strengthening the cyber security centre and promoting cloud computing. It also suggested implementing data protection laws and ensuring the security of digital identity systems.

Similarly, CSRI Nepal has emphasised the ethical use of digital services and the importance of fostering public trust. According to it, maintaining trust between the government and citizens is essential, as digital services can play a crucial role in citizen empowerment.

To bridge the digital divide, CSRI Nepal has called for improvements in internet and other infrastructure in rural areas, along with the implementation of digital literacy programmes across all seven provinces.

It also advocated for the use of technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that response systems are secure and transparent.

CSRI Nepal has also suggested updating the National Penal Code and other legal provisions to align Nepal’s cyber laws with global cybersecurity practices.

Moreover, it has proposed the establishment of IT departments in all ministries, collaboration between federal, provincial and local governments to develop a digital ecosystem, and entrusting universities with the responsibility of incorporating digital governance into academic curricula.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 March 2025.