KATHMANDU- Stakeholders have emphasized that digital governance is inherently a political issue, requiring strong commitment at the political level for successful implementation. Speaking at TechGov Nepal 2025, an event organized by Marching Ants in collaboration with The Asia Foundation in Kathmandu on Sunday, experts stressed the need for political leadership to ensure policy formulation, legal frameworks, and budget allocation for digital governance.

Manohar Bhattarai, an information technology expert and former Vice-Chairman of the High-Level Commission for Information Technology (HLCIT), highlighted digital governance as a catalyst for Nepal’s economic transformation. Citing examples from Estonia, India, the UAE, Singapore, and South Korea, he underscored its role in driving economic development. "Digital governance should contribute to economic growth, job creation, and innovation, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism," Bhattarai said.

He also emphasized its role in enhancing social inclusion by improving access to essential services such as education and healthcare. According to Bhattarai, digital governance enhances transparency and efficiency in governance. However, he said that its full implementation requires strong political commitment—from comprehensive policy formulation to execution. “The need for digital governance goes beyond mere recognition. Political leadership must demonstrate commitment through clear policies, budget allocation, and a structured implementation framework,” he said.

Dipesh Bista, CEO of the e-Governance Board, echoed this sentiment, reiterating that digital governance is crucial not just for good governance but also for economic growth. “Systemic change demands digital governance. When data flows seamlessly, services become more efficient, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and eliminating repetitive paperwork,” Bista mentioned. He men Estonia’s success, where digital governance saved 2,599 working hours in 2024 alone, as an example of its transformative potential.

Bista further emphasized the need for a data exchange platform to enable seamless digital governance. He revealed that a blueprint for electronic governance has been drafted and is currently under discussion, highlighting its significance for Nepal’s economic transformation. Similarly, Prabin Subedi, an expert in information technology law, pointed out that migrant workers should also be well-informed about e-governance.

“The Department of Foreign Employment provides various services through electronic governance for those going abroad for work.

It is essential that they are aware of these digital services,” he said. Subedi mentioned that workers can now access official information online about job orders, health checks, and insurance, making the process more transparent and efficient. He also highlighted that countries such as India and the Philippines are utilizing digital governance to support their migrant workers. In the program, Kedar Bhandari, an engineer at the E-Governance Board, shared insights on the board’s progress. He informed that a blueprint for electronic governance has been prepared and is currently under discussion.

He elaborated on the key issues addressed in the blueprint and presented its necessity and importance for Nepal’s digital transformation. The Role of Media in Digital Governance During a group discussion at the event, speakers emphasized that media plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of digital governance. Ramesh Sharma Paudyal, Director General of the Department of Information Technology, highlighted that the media serves as a bridge between the government and citizens by disseminating information on digital services. “The government should use the media to ensure all citizens are informed about digital services. Likewise, the media must communicate this information in a clear and accessible manner,

” He said. He further noted that media can help connect the government, businesses, and citizens in the digital governance ecosystem. Nirmala Sharma, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), stressed that journalists must also be well-versed in digital governance. “Journalists themselves should be aware of digital governance, and in some cases, training and orientation are necessary for media personnel,” she said. Senior journalist Babita Basnet emphasized that digital literacy is essential for the success of digital governance.

She mentioned that strong digital governance strengthens democracy and improves governance efficiency.