E-Governance: Concept and Implementation (Nepalese Perspective)

Context

The term "governance" emerged in global discourse in the 1990s. Governance refers to the collective activities that make state systems dynamic and vibrant through participation, collaboration, interaction, and interdependence among government and non-government stakeholders. E-governance is a modern approach to governance practices.

In Nepal, e-governance has been embraced as a contemporary governance concept.

Differences Between E-Governance and E-Government

E-Governance	E-Government
Not limited to the use of ICT in government activities but also focuses on enhancing government efficiency and public service effectiveness.	Focuses on the use of ICT in government activities.
A multidimensional and broader concept.	A narrower concept.
Aims to make government simple, accountable, competitive, and efficient while coordinating with other stakeholders.	An integral part of e-governance.
Involves participation of government, citizens, businesses, and employees.	Primarily dominated by government presence.
Encompasses electronic consultation, controllership, engagement, and networked societal guidance.	Encompasses electronic service delivery, workflow, voting, and productivity.

According to the UN E-Government Survey 2022, Nepal's ranking is not specified in the provided context, but its e-governance status is noted to be progressing.

Concept and Development

In the 1990s, the rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) emphasized its use in governance and development.

In the 2000s, governments recognized ICT as a strategic agenda, leading to the development of e-government and e-governance concepts.

In Nepal, post-1990 liberal governance laid the foundation through the Information Technology Policy, 2000.

Subsequent policies like the Telecommunications Policy, 2003, E-Government Master Plan, 2005, Electronic Transactions Act, 2006, and its regulations further strengthened the legal framework.

The Second Interim Report of the Administrative Restructuring Commission (2008) provided detailed exploration and practical implementation strategies for e-governance.

Legal provisions such as the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2007, Right to Information Act, 2007, and Government Decision Simplification Directive, 2008, further supported e-governance.

The Information and Communication Technology Policy, 2015, replaced the 2010 policy, promoting widespread ICT use, making e-governance a highly anticipated governance model in Nepal.

Introduction and Definition

E-governance is the integrated and interrelated practice of e-administration, e-participation, and e-service delivery.

It involves using electronic tools, technology, and networks to conduct governance activities, improve information and service delivery, enhance public participation in policy and decision-making, and make government more accountable, effective, and transparent.

It encompasses coordination, collaboration, management, leadership, decision-making, and regulation among government, citizens, and stakeholders through electronic networks.

E-governance fosters new and improved governance practices through electronic networking, enhancing governmental effectiveness.

Examples include websites, emails, social media (Twitter, Facebook), mobile apps, free online services, hotlines, Hello Government, office automation, online services, and e-services, facilitating interaction, collaboration, and interdependence among government, citizens, and stakeholders.

According to UNESCO: "E-governance is the public sector's use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery, encouraging citizen participation in the decision-making process, and making government more accountable, transparent, and effective."

Objectives of E-Governance

Conduct governance and development activities in alignment with technology-friendly global trends.
Enhance governance effectiveness through e-administration, e-participation, and e-services.
Establish positive working relationships between service providers and recipients through electronic means.
Ensure cost-effective, swift, and accessible service delivery.
Promote transparency and accountability.
Support the establishment of good governance.

Types of E-Governance Services

E-governance services are categorized based on target groups into three types:

1. Government to Citizen (G2C)

Direct services to citizens, including essential services like security, health, food, water, electricity, education, transportation, information, communication, and employment, made accessible, affordable, and efficient.

2. Government to Business (G2B)

Services to enhance industries, commerce, professions, and social sectors, providing necessary information, services, and facilities.

3. Government to Government (G2G)

Includes two sub-types:

Government to Government: Inter-office services.
Government to Employee: Services for employees.

Stages of E-Governance

According to the UN and ASPA (2002), e-governance development follows five web-based stages:

Stage 1: Initiating static websites with minimal information.
Stage 2: Expanding websites with regular updates for dynamic information.
Stage 3: Introducing interactive websites with two-way communication (online applications, confirmations, responses).
Stage 4: Transactional websites with real online services.
Stage 5: Fully integrated websites with a single governmental portal for service delivery.

Nepal’s e-governance is currently around Stages 1-3, with progress toward Stage 4.

Scope of E-Governance

Information on services provided by the government and their conditions.
Publicizing government policies, plans, programs, and decisions.
Collecting suggestions and feedback on policies, plans, and programs.
Providing application form templates.
Enabling online applications through government websites.
Addressing citizen grievances, complaints, and queries via email, phone, or fax.
Establishing relationships between government agencies and citizens.
Informing citizens through office websites.
Facilitating economic transactions (e.g., ATM, online payments).
Providing services like voter registration, ePassports, driving licenses, Machine Readable Passports, and Nagarik App.

Limitations of E-Governance

Requires robust electronic infrastructure and accessibility, without which e-governance is not feasible.
Both service providers and recipients need e-literacy.
Simplifies services and provides informational support but cannot deliver physical services.
Requires an open, democratic government and citizen awareness.
While limited in direct physical service delivery, it supports development and construction activities.

Necessity of E-Governance in Nepal

Promote technology-based, prompt service delivery.
Enhance citizen participation in service delivery and governance.
Adopt and develop new styles in policy and decision-making.
Strengthen government-citizen relationships through e-governance activities.
Embrace proactive and responsive governance systems.
Achieve transparency in governance.
Build a less paper-based, accessible bureaucracy.
Ensure cost-effective service delivery.
Enhance effectiveness and quality of services.
Increase government accountability to citizens.
Establish and develop a knowledge-based society.

Strengths and Weaknesses of E-Governance

Strengths

Promotes transparency.
Creates an efficient bureaucracy.
Enables swift service delivery.
Reduces corrupt practices.
Provides cost-effective and efficient services.
Enhances public accountability.
Delivers quality and scientific services.
Promotes good governance.

Weaknesses

High costs.
Risk of cybercrime.
Requires competitive human resources.
Provides informational services but not physical services.
Requires e-literacy for both providers and recipients, without which e-governance is not feasible.

Legal and Policy Provisions

Legal Provisions

Electronic Transactions Act, 2006 and Regulations, 2006

Government Use of Electronic Records and Digital Signatures (Chapter 7):
- Publishing government documents in electronic form (Section 39).
- Accepting documents in electronic form (Section 40).
- Using digital signatures in government offices (Section 41).
Computer-Related Offenses (Chapter 9):
- Theft, destruction, or alteration of computer source code: Up to 3 years imprisonment or NPR 200,000 fine or both (Section 44).
- Unauthorized access to computer materials: Up to NPR 200,000 fine or 3 years imprisonment or both (Section 45).
- Damage to computer and information systems: Up to NPR 200,000 fine or 3 years imprisonment or both (Section 46).
- Illegal electronic publication: Up to NPR 100,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment or both (Section 47).
- Breach of confidentiality: Up to NPR 100,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment or both (Section 48).
- Other offenses and penalties (Sections 49-59).
Establishes the Information Technology Tribunal (Section 60) and Information Technology Appellate Tribunal (Section 66).

Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2007 and Regulations, 2008

Adoption of ICT (Section 37): Ministries, departments, and government offices can implement computerized ICT based on resource availability.
ICT Implementation (Regulation 25):
- Maintain information and data in computerized systems.
- Create and update webpages with citizen charters, procedures, forms, and publications.
- Recognize forms submitted through webpages.
- Promote public awareness through ICT campaigns.
- Develop human resources for ICT use.

Government Social Media Usage Procedure, 2018

Guidelines for opening and operating Twitter handles, Facebook pages, and Viber accounts.

Policy Provisions

Information and Communication Technology Policy, 2015
Mass Communication Policy, 2016
Broadband Policy, 2014
Telecommunications Policy, 2003
15th Periodic Plan
Annual Budget
E-Government Master Plan, 2005
Business License Electronic Portal (Operation and Management) Directive, 2012

Institutional Provisions

Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST)
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT)
Department of Information and Broadcasting
Department of Information Technology
National Information Commission
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)
National Information Technology Center (NITC)
Office of the Controller of Certification
Information and Communication Technology Academy (Lumbini Province)
Information Technology Park Development Committee
All government bodies from federal to local levels

Program-Based Provisions

Broadband Policy, 2014, outlines various programmatic measures.
Information and Communication Technology Policy, 2015, promotes e-governance programs, strategies, and plans.
All ministries, departments, and offices maintain websites and appoint information officers.
Government Decision Simplification Directive, 2008, recognizes information received via email, fax, or telephone for decision-making.
Information and Communication Technology Development Project.

Current Status, Opportunities, and Strengths of E-Governance in Nepal

Government prioritizes e-governance in policies, programs, plans, and budgets (e.g., Broadband Policy, 2014; ICT Policy, 2015).
Constitutional provisions on communication rights emphasize technology-friendly e-governance.
Rapid expansion of internet, telephone, and mobile services.
Government policies provide guidance for e-governance.
Increasing knowledge, interest, and capacity among government bodies and officials.
Government agencies are increasingly adopting IT-based service delivery.
Growing awareness and interest in e-services among citizens.
E-governance practices in voter registration, online applications, ePassports, and driving licenses.
Company Registrar’s Office fully transitioned to ICT-based operations.
Pressure on government and public sectors to adopt IT and e-governance.
Confidence in e-governance gaining importance and practical implementation.

Practical Problems

Lack of adequate legal, policy, and institutional infrastructure.
Most government websites are not regularly updated.
Culture of distrust toward technology-based information.
Limited use of technology in information and service delivery.
Insufficient technical knowledge among service providers.
Lack of ICT access and knowledge among citizens.
Resource scarcity and misuse.
Inadequate government commitment and investment.
Limited access to e-services across all regions.
Incomplete adoption and management of computers and internet in all agencies.

Challenges of E-Governance

Maximizing e-governance for effective public service delivery.
Ensuring infrastructure and e-literacy among service providers and recipients.
Eliminating distrust in electronic transactions and promoting a trust culture.
Updating existing e-governance provisions for greater effectiveness.
Convincing stakeholders of e-governance’s necessity and promoting swift processes for a knowledge-based society.

In Summary:

Law and Public Policy
Infrastructure Development
Technical Requirements
Digital Divide and E-Literacy
Trust
Privacy and Security
Transparency and Permanent Accessibility

Suggestions for E-Governance in Nepal

Formulate and implement a dedicated E-Governance Act and Regulations.
Establish a specific e-governance policy and strengthen existing policy implementation.
Enhance institutional capacity and ensure adequacy.
Focus on sustainable and sufficient energy and electricity management.
Promote e-literacy among public servants and citizens.
Foster a trust culture in electronic transactions.
Urgently implement digital signature provisions as per the Electronic Transactions Act.
Promote ICT-based public service delivery.
Strengthen government commitment and investment in e-governance.
Update existing e-governance provisions (e.g., Electronic Transactions Act, ICT Policy).
Integrate e-governance as an essential part of governance practices.
Emphasize implementation of policy, institutional, and practical aspects.

Digital Nepal Framework, 2019

Vision, Goals, and Objectives

Vision: Digital Nepal for good governance, development, and prosperity.

Goals:

Transform broader economic dimensions through digital technology to enhance service delivery, production, and productivity.

Objectives:

Build foundations for a knowledge-based society and digital economy.
Maximize digital technology to achieve development and prosperity goals.
Provide public services to citizens in a simple and accessible manner.

Areas of Digital Nepal Framework

The framework identifies 80 digital initiatives across eight key areas:

Digital Foundation: Expanding internet access, digital literacy, and e-services for good governance.
Urban Infrastructure: Improving water management, waste management, public transport, and traffic management.
Agriculture: Agritech.
Health: Video conferencing, e-learning, and mobile health.
Education: Creating an enhanced teaching-learning environment.
Finance: Fintech.
Tourism: Omni-channel marketing, e-commerce, augmented reality.
Energy: Customer-centric solutions, smart transmission, and distribution networks.

Focus Areas: Technology, infrastructure, entrepreneurship (public-private partnerships), talent, and skill development.

Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Technology

Opportunities:

Near-universal mobile usage and ~60% internet penetration indicate high digital system acceptance.
Rapid adoption of internet-based services.
Growth in digital payments and online banking.
Digital technologies open opportunities for rapid economic growth for government and entrepreneurs.

Challenges:

Limited digital literacy.
Underdeveloped digital payment and online banking environment.
Insufficient data, studies, and enterprises in the public sector.
Emerging technologies (AI, robotics, IoT, Big Data Analytics) add opportunities and challenges.
Issues in investment, inter-agency coordination, technical capacity, and technology-based production.

Steering Committee

A 15-member Steering Committee chaired by the Prime Minister:

Prime Minister: Chairperson
Minister for Communication and Information Technology: Vice-Chairperson
Ministers of Finance, Home, Education, Agriculture, Health, Tourism, Urban Development, Energy, Industry, National Planning Commission Vice-Chair, Chief Secretary, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor: Members
Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: Member Secretary

Digital Nepal Coordination Committee

An 18-member committee chaired by the Chief Secretary to support the Steering Committee:

Chief Secretary: Coordinator
Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: Co-Coordinator
Secretaries of Finance, Home, Education, Agriculture, Health, Tourism, Urban Development, Energy, Industry, National Planning Commission; Deputy Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank; Chairpersons of Nepal Telecommunications Authority, FNCCI, CNI, CAN Federation: Members
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: Member Secretary

Responsibilities:

Prepare policies and strategies for effective implementation of the Digital Nepal Framework.
Ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities and projects.
Form sectoral sub-committees as needed.
Execute tasks directed by the Steering Committee.

Previous Questions

What is e-governance? Comment on the potential of e-governance in Nepal. (3+7) (Asked on 2071/12/25)
Briefly comment on: (5+5) (Asked on 2072/12/18)
- Characteristics of bureaucracy
- E-governance
What is meant by e-governance? What should be done to make e-governance effective? (3+7) (Asked on 2073/12/26)

Practice Questions

What is e-governance? Explain its necessity and provide information on its context in Nepal. (2+4+4)
Describe the current status of e-governance in Nepal and recommend practical suggestions for its effectiveness. (5+5)
Introduce e-governance and highlight its necessities and limitations. (2+4+4)
Introduce e-governance and discuss the existing problems and challenges in Nepal. (10)
Discuss the provisions for e-governance in Nepal. Do you agree that e-governance in Nepal faces a trust crisis? Review. (10)

3.8 E-governance