Nepal’s leading & Government-owned telecom operator, Nepal Telecom, is building a separate company to find solutions for governmental IT works this year. The company will be managing and coordinating many important computer-related tasks. It includes billing systems, apps, inputs, websites, HR monitoring software, etc. Not only that, the new IT company will be responsible for looking after essential system development and digital solutions.
Nepal Telecom has already included this in its budget for the year 2078/79. The managing director of Nepal Telecom, Mr. Dilliram Adhikari quotes, “We have speculated that the new company will carry out IT-related tasks. The works include: keeping the yearly programs online and undertaking HR monitoring software. Billing systems, apps, inputs, and system development also come under this category. He adds on to say, “The main aim behind building a separate company is to lessen all the expenditure that occurs when we do the computer-related tasks through outsources.”
The company has planned to perform the mentioned IT works for all the necessary governmental organizations. It will supervise and operate almost all software and hardware-related developmental works. Besides Nepal Telecom, other governmental bodies and companies can also make good use of the company. Adhikari further says, “In doing so, the tender system will not be necessary between the governmental bodies. Also, it will be easier for the bodies to assign individual works directly to the company. It will make the work faster and more convenient.”
The local bodies have realized the importance of IT support on a daily basis. Even the GIDC and related companies run by the government require IT services. Adhikari says that the company will be providing assistance to all these organizations which feel the need for IT service in their departments. According to him, companies like Nepal Electricity Authority and Banijya Bank have already shown their interest in investing in this project.
Several systems of the Nepal Electricity Authority have not been centralized yet. For this, the company will manage the systems and technology. It will also develop the important hardware and software necessary for the governmental financial institutions. Adhikari states, “We often hear about the tenders getting rejected in simple governmental transactions. This will not happen after the establishment of the IT solution company. The company also allows buying and selling of hardware, software, and technology along with its service and solution. Therefore, the work will be very easy and direct. This is because all of these services are provided by one single company.
As a result of this, the government money will safely reach the organizations and the data will also remain safe. The capital investment for this IT-related company has not yet been finalized. However, the total cost might add up to become somewhere around 50 to 100 Crores. As per Adhikari’s statement, they seek cooperation from Pulchowk College and other institutions to work in the company. This might even help to create employment opportunities on a large scale.
He further stated that the board of directors of Nepal Telecom has already approved this matter. They have decided to operate the company within this year by establishing it. Necessary rules and preparations have already been made for this purpose.
Currently, Nepal Telecom has another subsidiary company Nepal Digital Payment Company, that is working on Mobile financial service, in the name of Namaste Pay.