- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Narayan Prasad Ghimire
Kathmandu, May 1: Several countries are now mulling how digital technology including artificial intelligence (AI) could be applied along with indigenous knowledge to tackle most defining challenge of time- the climate crisis.
Similarly, advancement of digital technology and AI has gone to the extent that the super powers are debating how best they could deploy AI in warfare, while Nepal is reiterating the urgency of ‘digital departure’ and ‘digital transformation’ for a decade plus with much wait for stride.
Adoption of liberal economy opened up avenue to spur economic activities since restoration of democracy in 1990. Nepal prides on expansion of telecommunications service since then. Of course, Nepal gradually witnessed rise on internet penetration, IT infrastructures, availability of smartphones, digital teaching-learning, vibrant digital public spheres, digital transaction and trade. Lately, it a matter of pride to read the news that Nepali institution is running AI classes and camps to the foreign scholars, and conducting research on how AI could be used for cancer treatment.
A year back, a report prepared by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) generated encouraging media headlines. The report ‘Unleashing IT: Advancing Nepal’s Digital Economy’ elated both the government and IT sectors. It shared the finding that the IT service export (ITes) industry in Nepal valued nearly USD 515 million.
There were 106 IT service export companies and 14,728 IT freelancers in software development and technology and 51,781 ITeS freelancers involved in exporting IT services through various digital platforms, according to report. “The total IT service export reached USD 515 million in 2022, representing a growth of 64.2% since 2021. Both IT companies and freelancers experienced substantial growth, with IT companies recording an 80.5% increase in service exports compared to the previous year, and freelancers achieving a growth of 55.2%” the report mentioned.
Hindrances dwarf achievements
Irrespective of the achievements we have made in IT sectors over time, there is no denying that we are suffering host of problems and hindrances on intensification of digital transformation. The problems and challenges ranging from widening digital divide, dearth of digital literacy, constraints in law and policy sectors to infrastructures are evidently dwarfing the achievements.
Undoubtedly, reliable and quality expansion and adoption of information and digital technologies are prerequisites to holistic development. At a time when we have been touting IT as a foundational pillar of digital transformation, the problems warrant serious attention and engagement. The government has stressed time and again that there is no alternative to digital departure, but whether the government initiatives so far has resulted in significant stride is matter of study.
In this regard, the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) launched by the government in 2019 could be enforced effectively to realize the digital transformation. It had finely outlined the sectors to incorporate IT, but its implementation was poor. Even the government officials have admitted that DNF was slow off the mark.
Similarly, as we hail expansion of internet which has facilitated communications and connected far-flung people to the world and lately eased digital business, the complaints on internet quality as speed, bandwidth, hacking of government websites, and cyber security concerns are on rise.
2G laws for 5G governance
Another important area to propel digital transformation is the guarantee of law and policies friendly to digital activities, innovation and service expansion.
In this connection, IT expert Dr Madhu Sudan Dahal said, “Infrastructural to legal and policy constraints are behind Nepal’s backwardness on IT and digital fronts.”
According to him, technology sees sweeping advances within three years, while our laws to look after these issues are 30 years old. “The law we made to deal with 2G service has to be invoked to deal with 5G services. Such a snail-placed progress in legal and policy spheres is sheer obstruction, while reliable electricity and internet are foundational infrastructures for digital transformation, for which we need to do a lot.” As he argued, we are still employing the Telecommunications Act, 1997 in the face of spurt of IT issues.
Nepal in international reports
When it comes to observation of Nepal’s status on IT and modern technology as AI, the global report can also provide adequate glimpse.
Earlier on March 2, this scribe had reported news on Nepal’s status on AI Readiness Index. Nepal was ranked 150th out of 193 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index, 2023, as per the report published by the Oxford Insights.
The report stated that Nepal was able to get the total score- 30.77. The total score is calculated from three bases- government pillar, technology sector pillar, and data and infrastructure pillar. With total score, 30.77, Nepal got 31.04 in government pillar, 24.21 in technology sector pillar, and 37.06 in data and infrastructure pillar.
Moreover, the Global Risk Report, 2024 prepared by World Economic Forum has mentioned false information: misinformation and disinformation as a challenging issue of present time.
It stated, “A growing distrust of information, as well as media and governments as sources, will deepen polarized views – a vicious cycle that could trigger civil unrest and possibly confrontation. There is a risk of repression and erosion of rights as authorities seek to crack down on the proliferation of false information – as well as risks arising from inaction.”
Dis/misinformation polluting media ecosystem
As internet and digital issues are trans-border phenomena, Nepal cannot deny such research analyses. We have also witnessed significant rise on false information polluting entire media ecosystem and discrediting journalism as well. Ensuring free, secure and open internet should be kept in mind while reinforcing initiatives for digital transformation and realizing the ambition of digital departure.
Importantly, taking confidence of private sectors, especially the youth IT entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators and scientists is imperative for Nepal to advance digital transformation. Creating conductive atmosphere along with investment and incentives will not only retain our IT talents but also contribute significantly to national income. Protection and promotion of human rights on cyber/digital spheres should be an equally significant focus to make digital departure meaningful.
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Former President Bhandari extends International Workers’ Day best wishes
Kathmandu, May 1: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali worker sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad on the occasion of International Workers’ Day today.
Former head of the state said that International Labor Day is celebrated as an opportunity to make everyone aware for the protection and promotion of labour rights while showing respect to all workers who contribute to the prosperity of the nation by investing their labour and skills in various fields.
In her best wishes message, former President Bhandari mentioned that this day has inspired workers around the world to show solidarity with each other and protect workers’ rights.
In the message, she highlighted the contribution of workers who play an important role in the economic development process of the country.
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UML chairman Oli extends International Workers’ Day best wishes
Kathmandu, May 1: Chairman of Communist Party of Nepal (UML) KP Sharma Oli has said that work should be regarded as life.
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, he said that labour is life, labour is faith, labor is worship and labour is offerings.
Former Prime Minister Oli has also called upon all to realize the fact that labour is an inevitable, inseparable and integral process of life and the world. He stressed on the need of ensuring labour rights including job creation, respect for labour, fair wages and social security to the labourers.
Today, the International Workers’ Day is being celebrated with the slogan of ‘History, Achievements and Future Ways’. Chairman Oli said that workers from across the world should take this day as an opportunity to show solidarity with each other and make everyone aware for the protection and promotion of labour rights.
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Government to extend child nutrition grant programme to all 77 districts
Kathmandu, May 1: The government will be extending the child nutrition grant programme to all 77 districts of the country.
At present the government has been distributing Rs 532 as child grant to the children below five years old in 25 selected districts as well as to children below five years old from Dalit households of all 77 districts.
Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhary outlined the ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of the nutrition grant programme, and increasing the grant as 532 is insufficient for the nutritious food.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that every child in Nepal, regardless of their location, receives the essential nutrition support they need for healthy growth and development,” said Minister Chaudhary during her address at the event ‘Policy Dialogue on Social Protection and Child Grant in Nepal’ organized by the Social Protection Civil Society Network and INSP!R Nepal here on Tuesday.
The Constitution guarantees various social and economic rights, including the rights to social security for vulnerable groups consisting of children. Article 43 of the Constitution preserves the fundamental right to social protection for all children. Similarly, The Child Rights Act 2018 provides a bundle of rights to children, including the rights to a dignified life, appropriate care, nutrition, and free basic health services.
Director of the National Planning Commission, Loknath Bhushal, presented about the provisions mentioned in the Integrated Social Protection Framework- 2080 and highlighted the role governments, civil society organizations and trade unions for implementing it. Similarly, an expert of Social Protection Basant Raj Gautam, presented about the importance of investing in children, and emphasized the overall status, need to increase child grant and its future impact to the Nation.
Speaking in the programme, Chairperson of the Women and Social Affairs Committee of the Federal Parliament, Kiran Kumar Shah, emphasized that the foundation of a ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali’is only possible if the government invest in children.
Ambar Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of the Federal Parliament, expressed concerns and advocated for universal access to education and healthcare for all children.
Federal Member of Parliament and CPN-UML Whip Sunita Baral emphasized that the investment made in the field of children is scattered and it should be integrated while Coordinator of the Parliamentary Group for Child Rights and Federal Member of Parliament Ranju Kumari Jha emphasized the need to allocate the social security allowances based on identified needs and prioritize investments in children.
She reiterated the importance of ensuring that resources are directed towards addressing the specific requirements of children, underscoring that doing so is crucial for their well-being and development.
Federal Member of Parliament Dayal Bahadur Shahi emphasized that in the context of Nepal Social Security Allowance programme was initiated only recently, however its effectiveness is evident, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the investment to children within the ambit of social security.
Ram Kumar Phuyal, a member of the National Planning Commission, said that in the next financial year and the next five-year interim plan, especially when more than 15 percent of the total budget of the federal government is spent on social security, that money should be focused on children and senior citizens, and the youth generation should be empowered by competition, production and productivity. He focused on giving the priority to contribution-based social security, to connect with independence and self-reliance, sustainability and life cycle.
Members of Parliament and concerned members of political parties emphasized the need to bolster investments in children and integrate them into the broader social security framework. Suggestions were made to increase the Child Nutrition Grant, allocate budget for implementing an integrated social protection framework, and prioritize investments in children.
In the programme, more than hundred attendees participated, including Roshani Karki, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population; Kul Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Secretary-General of the Nepal Trade Union Congress, Mina Sharma, Chairperson of CZOP, Bhawa Raj Regmi, Secretary of the Non-Governmental Organization Federation, Gopal Nepali from Save the Children; Shyam Adhikari from World Vision; and Om Thapaliya from HomeNet and INSP!R Nepal, stressed the urgent need for the state to address issues related to children, especially those concerning the welfare of children from marginalized communities, children with disabilities, and children affected by various forms of violence.
They suggested for appropriate acknowledgment from the state, urging for the inclusion of children’s issues within the scope of social security, allocation and provision of a separate budget code for children, inclusion of topics such as child-friendly local governance, nutrition-friendly local governance, national pride for children, and Children and School are the Peace of Zone, to enhance investment in children. They also requested an increase in funding to improve the quality of nutritious day meal programs and expand the programs up to class 10 from the recent initiatives of class 5.
The symposium witnessed attendance from various stakeholders, policymakers including Bimala Subedi, Chairperson of Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament, Federal Members of Parliament, Vice-Chairperson of the National Child Rights Council, Bam Bahadur Baniya, the Executive Director of Social Security Fund, Kabi Raj Adhikari, Usha Mishra from UNICEF, Government Officials, Development partners, civil society organizations, trade unions, and human rights activists. The event was organized jointly by the financial support from UNICEF, Save the Children, and We Social Movement (WSM).
As Nepal approaches the final stages of formulating policies, programs, and budgets for the fiscal year 2081/82, the symposium aimed to ensure robust policies addressing comprehensive social security issues, particularly focusing on the needs of children.
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Narayangadh-Butwal road reports 50 percent progress in over five years
Nawalpur (Nawalparasi), May 1: A 33-kilometre stretch of the Narayangadh-Butwal section along the East West Highway has been blacktopped. Initially slated for completion within the deadline of 42 months, the project reports a 50 percent accomplishment in over five years and three months.
According to Engineer Shiva Khanal, the Information Officer for the Narayangadh-Butwal Road Planning east section, as of Baisakh 15 (April 27), 33 kilometres of road have been blacktopped. Progress is swiftly underway, with plans to upgrade the roadway to accommodate four lanes. In the last five months alone, 18 kilometres of road have been upgraded one way when previously took nearly half a decade to pave just 15 kilometres with the blacktop.
All small bridges spanning 25 metres have been already constructed. Now the construction of large bridges is in progress.
Rakesh Jha, the representative of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited reports that blacktopping efforts are currently advancing eastward from Danda of Kawasoti, with progress reaching 27 percent. However, site clearance work is awaited at Dumkauli, Rajahar, and Gaindakot, causing delays in the overall upgrading process.
The project to upgrade a 113-kilometre road stretch from Gaindakot to Lumbini has been implemented by dividing it into two clusters: 64.42 kilometres from Gaindakot to Daunne (East Section), and 48.58 kilometres from Daunne to Butwal (West Section). Facilitated by a loan of Rs 16.99 billion from the Asian Development Bank, this project has been recognised as a project of national pride.
Urban areas will have additional two lanes, while in Daunne, it will have a three-lane setup along a five-kilometre stretch due to topographical issue, as stated by the company.
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135th May Day: NHRC calls for promoting labour rights
Kathmandu, May 1: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and all the bodies concerned to implement the provision of minimum remuneration fixed by the government for workers.
Issuing a press note on the occasion of the 135th International Labor Day today, the NHRC wants the incorporation of workers from all sectors in the Social Security Fund, the creation of an atmosphere conducive to safe and decent work for all, and an end to all forms of labor exploitation.
Stressing the effective implementation of national and international laws regarding the strengthening of workers’ rights, the national human rights body expressed its concern over a large exodus of Nepali youths in search of abroad job opportunities because of what it says the lack of employment environment and work dignity inside the country.
The issues of delayed payment, labor exploitation, and violation of other rights of workers in the private sector have been reported to the NHRC. Moreover, its attention has been drawn to the reported cases of violence and sexual harassment against children forced to work in brick kilns, hotels, restaurants, and private homes due to poverty.
Various researches indicate that workplace incidents leading to injuries, mutilations, and, tragically, fatalities persist in Nepal, as reported by the NHRC. The NHRC has stressed the need to uphold fundamental labor rights, such as respect for labor, non-discrimination for equal work, providing appointment letters, preventing child labor, ensuring minimum wages, offering leave and rest facilities, maintaining a safe working environment, providing social security, upholding the right to trade union, and supporting collective bargaining. It has reminded one and all that these rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, relevant UN Conventions ratified by Nepal, ILO standards, Nepal’s constitution, labor laws, and associated regulations.
As the world observes May Day or Labour Day today, the focus is on advocating for safety and health in workplaces amidst a rising climate crisis. In Nepal, this day is commemorated under the theme of “decent work, respect for labor: our campaign.”
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Rights organisations call for addressing problems of agriculture labourers
Janakpur, May 1: Organizations working for the rights and interests of the former bonded labourers and herders have requested the government to end the practice of Harwacharwa stating that it is a remnant of slavery system. They have urged the government to end all kinds of problems faced by the agricultural workers.
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day today, the National Harwacharwa Rights Forum and the National Dalit Network Nepal issued a joint press release, calling for an end to all forms of labour exploitation and complete rehabilitation process for the people who formerly worked under the Harwacharwa, Kamlahari, Haliya and Kamaiya bonded labour system.
In the same way, the joint press release called attention of stakeholders has been drawn to the fact that despite the declaration banning the Harwacharwa practice, it is existing in eight districts of Madhesh province, even the preliminary work for restoration has not been carried forward so far.
“We demand that rehabilitation work should be carried out targeting the more than 100,000 pastoralist families who are contributing to the prosperity of Madhesh province by investing their labour and skills in various fields of labour including agriculture and services, supported by data collection, verification and scientific classification.
To change the condition of agricultural workers, let the International Workers’ Day, inspire everyone to move towards ensuring labour rights including right to decent work, fair wages and social security,” said the statement signed by Adhikar Manch President Dashanlal Mandal and RDN President Mohan Od.
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Health Ministry to run ‘extensive search and immunize’ campaign for children
Kathmandu, May 1: The Ministry of Health and Population is to vaccinate the children missed out in the regular immunization programme.
This extensive search and immunize campaign will be organized on May 13, said Dr Prakash Budhathoki, spokesman for the Ministry. He said that an ‘extensive search and vaccination campaign’ would be conducted for children who missed regular vaccinations.
According to him, 13 types of vaccines will be given to children under the age of five who missed regular vaccinations in 15 months. The government provides for free 13 types of vaccinations to children from birth to five years of age to protect them from diseases, disability and death.
The Ministry has stated that 80 percent of children have received the full dose, 20 percent of the children have not received all vaccines, and four percent of children have not received any vaccination. In some districts, the number of children who missed vaccination has increased.
The Ministry has informed that vaccination has been started for the children who were missed out in the previous immunization programmes since measles and rubella epidemic has also appeared. The Ministry has also requested the parents and bodies concerned to go to the nearest health office to vaccinate their children who have missed, and to help such children in the neighborhood to go to the vaccination centres as well.
The Ministry has stated that all children should be fully vaccinated as no one would be safe from various diseases and health issues until they are fully vaccinated.
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Record-holder climber Kamirita ascending Sagarmatha for the 29th time
Kathmandu, May 1: Veteran climber Kamirita Sherpa, who holds the world record for climbing Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) 28 times, is preparing to set new record. The 54-year-old Sherpa who climbed the world’s highest peak for the 28th time last year is set for the 29th ascent this year.
He has already reached the Everest Base Camp in this connection. “This year, I have set out for climbing Sagarmatha for the 29th time. I have no plan of climbing Sagarmatha for this or that many times. Let me ascend towards the summit and see how far I can,” said Kamirita, who has reached the Base Camp via Lukla and Namche. He had set out for the expedition from Kathmandu a week back as part of the Spring Season Everest expedition.
He is accompanying a mountaineering expedition team comprising about 28 climbers. The expedition is managed by Seven Summit Treks Pvt Ltd.
Mingma Sherpa, Chairperson of Seven Summit Treks, said that Kamirita has reached the Everest Base Camp for his 29th ascent on Sagarmatha through his company.
According to Mingma, most of the climbers have reached the Base Camp and they are waiting for appropriate time for climbing Sagarmatha.
Eighty mountaineers have gone for ascending Sagarmatha via the Seven Summit Treks Company alone this time.
Kamirita has been climbing Sagarmatha as the guide for the climbers. He will set a new record by breaking his own previous record, if he succeeds in climbing Sagarmatha this time.
Kamirita is a record-setter climber for the highest number of scents on the world’s tallest peak in the 71-year-long history of Sagarmatha climbing.
Pasang Dawa Sherpa, also from Solukhumbu, had climbed Sagarmatha for the 27th time last year. But, it is not confirmed whether he will be climbing Sagarmatha this time.
“I am going to climb Sagarmatha, I have no other purpose,” Kamirita said, “I have only continued the profession of mountain climbing, I have not climbed for a record.”
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Communications Ministry seeks submissions on future policies, programmes and budget
Kathmandu, May 1: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology today held an interaction here to seek submissions from relevant sectors regarding issues to be incorporated into the upcoming policies and programmes and the budget.
Journalists, intellectuals, and representatives of journalism-related organizations were present in the programme.
At the programme, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, said mass communications has a greater role in shaping the perception of society, and its sentiments are required to be addressed by the policies and programmes, and the budget. She said participants are encouraged to give submissions in writing as well.
The suggestions from you all are vital to add gravity to the mass communications policy ahead, the Minister said, adding that their opinions will serve as a guideline to prepare an effective policy. The Minister stressed the need to transform the advertisement policies, acts, and regulations concerning the State-owned media as per the need of time. “That’s why, media classifications and issues of inclusions are the concerns of the Ministry.”
Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Bipul Pokhrel, urged the Ministry to allocate a fixed amount for health insurance facilities for media persons, a limited discount on medical care for journalists, distribution of proportional advertisement, training and career enhancement for journalists in the budget.
Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Executive Chair, Dharmendra Jha, said broader discussions are needed in issues being raised by mass media. He urged the Ministry to strengthen the news agency resourcefully and technically so that it could diversify its services linguistically and be operated round-the-clock. According to him, an inclusive newsroom and inclusive service are among the priorities of the RSS and it is advancing towards that end.
“News services in multi-languages are our effort and the budget should highlight the needs concerning the RSS,” he added.
FNJ former Chairs Kishor Nepal, Shiva Gaunle, and Mahendra Bista called for making the Mass Communications Academy policy compatible with time. They advised the Ministry to invest in the physical and enhancement of FNJ.
Press Chautari Nepal Chair Ganesh Basnet said it should be the concern of the Ministry to make the public advertisement allocation liberal and effective while Nepal Press Union Vice President, Nakul Aryal, said the Ministry must monitor about the effectiveness of mass communications.
Socialist Press Association Nepal’s Chair Bishwamani Subedi stressed the need to reach public welfare advertisements to the target groups.
Sancharika Samuha former President Nirmala Sharma said the policies and programmes should be women journalists-friendly while Chair of Federation of Nepal Indigenous Journalists (FONIJ) Gajurdhan Rai, Madhesi Journalists Society Chair Mohan Singh, Dalit Journalists Association Chair Binod Pahadi, Sancharika Samuha’s President Bimala Tumkhewa, and Working Women Journalists (WWJ ) Vice Chair Ram Kala Khadka among others called for promoting the issues of inclusion in the mass communications policy.
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Labour Ministry announces ‘Shramadan’ campaign
Kathmandu, May 1: The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has announced the ‘Shramadan’ scheme related to labour and employment. Minister Dol Prasad Aryal launched the ‘Shramadan’ campaign at a press conference held at the Ministry today on the occasion of International Workers’ Day. The scheme has the objective of solving the problems of Nepali workers and improving the labour market.
Addressing the event, Minister Aryal said that the Ministry has a comprehensive and practical plan to solve the problems surfaced in the labour market.
The scheme includes programmes like ‘Second Innings’, Employment Bank, Samata (Equity), Connect, Saath (With You), Call Centre, Pesagat Yatra (Professional Journey) among others. Minister Aryal said that these programmes will not be implemented simultaneously but gradually.
“This is not only a plan, but also a campaign,” he said, adding that it aims to address the multifaceted needs of Nepali citizens related to labour and employment through a one-door system. In the first phase of Shramadan, programmes related to seven sectors are included. To match the seven colours of the rainbow, Aryal said.
Minister Aryal shared that the programme is focused on developing the skills and competencies of Nepali workers, solving their mental health problems, providing special facilities for classes and communities with special needs, and increasing the knowledge of labour laws to make them legally safe. The plan prepared by the ministry after two months of study will provide the necessary resources and tools as well.
Minister Aryal informed that in the first phase, 24-hour telephone service will be provided, a focal person will be appointed in the related agency for hearing complaints, and respond calls and missed calls.
According to him, in the second phase, work is being done to develop the Shramadan app. Minister Aryal said preparations are also being made for CIP line telephone service and IVR service for Nepali migrant workers based abroad.
He added that a mechanism has been created to take inquiries, complaints and problems received through various social networks to the immediate resolution process. The Ministry has already inaugurated a Shramadan call centre.
The Ministry said inquiries, complaints and problems can be reported by calling 1141 toll-free number. According to the ministry, the problem can also be reported through another phone number 9851347222 too.
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