Kathmandu. Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said that Nepal should not only focus on digital transformation but also build a resilient digital system.
Addressing the Digital Nepal Conclave 2026 here today, Minister Timilsina said the recent incidents of disaster have shown that information, communication and data are as important as the infrastructure during the time of crisis.
He opined that although roads and other physical infrastructures might be disrupted during the disaster, it was necessary to keep the communication and information flow continuous.
He said, “For many years, when we talked about digital transformation, we talked mainly about efficiency, ease and modernization. We discussed how technology can make government services faster, how businesses can be more productive, and how citizens can be more connected. Those goals are certainly important. But the events of the last few weeks have reminded us that digital transformation should not be limited to this, it should be much more. Nepal needs not just digital transformation, but a vibrant digital transformation. ’
Stating that floods and disasters in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli River have caused loss of life and property, displacement of communities and damage to infrastructure, he said the government was involved in rescue, relief, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. He said the disaster has also tested the information system, communication network, coordination among government agencies and preparedness required for disaster response.
He said, “The devastating disaster on the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river has deeply hurt our nation. We have seen first-hand the loss of life and property, the displacement of communities, the destruction of infrastructure and the families searching for answers amidst the uncertainty. As a government, we are involved in the long process of rescue, relief, recovery and now rehabilitation and reconstruction. But in the midst of this disaster, we have also learned some important lessons. In times of crisis, information becomes as important as infrastructure. ’
He said that during the time of crisis, the digital system can provide continuous service to the citizens, the government can communicate effectively, the government bodies can coordinate in real time and the essential services and information can be delivered to the citizens. He also pointed out the need for an information system that can distinguish between facts and rumors when misinformation can spread faster than the truth.
He said, “Communication becomes as important as transportation. Data becomes as important as physical resources and trust becomes as important as technology. When roads are blocked, communication must remain open. Even when communities are isolated, information must continue to flow. When emergency decisions have to be made, reliable data must be available. And when fear and uncertainty spread, citizens must have access to reliable information. ’
Stating that digital transformation should not be seen only as a technical project, Minister Timilsina said it should be taken ahead linking it with governance reforms, development and nation building.
He said that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is committed to building a connected and prosperous Nepal by strengthening the communication system, expanding citizens’ access to information and promoting information integrity. For this, we will continue to collaborate with stakeholders including government agencies, private sector, academia, innovators, development partners and citizens, he added.
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