Nepal: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Development Project

Information and communication technology - ICT infrastructure - ICT strategy and policy, and capacity development

The Project will help the Government to provide improved accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in government/public delivery through increase application of information and communication technology (ICT), ensuring affordable access to ICT for communities and businessess.

The Project involves (i) building a government ICT network, which allows government-to-government exchange of data and information and central management of government data and information; (ii) developing various priority e-government applications; and (iii) developing and implementing human resources development programs.

1. E-government framework and data infrastructure

2. E-citizen services and applications for driver's license and land registration

3. Nationwide human resources development for e-government and ICT

4. National ICT operating policies and guidelines to ensure interoperability with online technologies of government, business, and the broader community

1.) Government e-architecture prepared and national portal launched on 4 December 2013 and GIDC was established. All planned activities have been completed. The equipment of groupware were installed; video conference equipment were installed in different government offices. Document Management System application was also tested.

National Information and Technology Centre:

Four contract packages were awarded to achieve the envisaged task and all packages have been completed. Recently two additional packages have been awarded to strengthen GIDC security and infrastructure management.

2.a) Public Service Recruitment: Developed web based application software for establishment of public service recruitment management system and launched external portal in 8 April 2015. The system is in full operation in all 16 PSC offices.

2.b) National Identity Card: Contract for NID was signed on 15 July 2016 with M/S Safran Identity and Security. The system architect and system design documents are finalized. Ongoing implementation progress of the contractor packages is satisfactory.

2.c) EDL and VRS:

Pilot launch of the developed system for issuance of EDL was done by DOTM on 30 Nov 2015; the system is already in operation in four DOTM offices within Kathmandu Valley. EDL will be rolled out in remaining 12 zonal offices of DOTM by April 2017.

VRS has been developed and planned to roll out by 15 April 2017.

2.d) Land Record Information Management System (LRIMS): Developed system was pilot launched in Kalanki LRO on 10 Aug 2015 and have already been rolled out in additional 12 LROs. Though delayed, it has been planned to roll out the system in remaining Parsa LRO by 7 April 2017. Preparation is ongoing for rolling out Remote access model of the developed LRIMS.

3.) 118 trainings have been conducted to 3,821 participants (male: 3,385 and female: 436). 11.4% of female government staff has been trained. Curriculum and materials development and training being imparted to government staff through 13 training service providers.

4.) The National ICT Operating Policy for GEA and NeGIF was approved by the Cabinet on 22 February 2015.

The Project will not have any adverse impact on the communities and in particular the Janajatis.

The Project will have overall positive impact on the Project beneficiaries.

Two individual national consultants will recruited for Project Management Support.

A national firm was recruited to provide project management support for 108 person-months to the Project Management Unit (PMU) under OPMCM. The consultants had (i) assisted the PMU in developing a comprehensive system for monitoring the Project's performance, as prescribed in the project design and performance framework, and for identifying the performance parameters to be monitored during the implementation of the Project; (ii) reviewing monthly progress reports submitted by the Implementing Agencies, identifying potential problems in the implementation of each component, developing remedial measures to avoid or correct problems, and preparing monthly progress report summary, including all the findings and recommendations, for the project director of the PMU, ADB, and the cofinancier; (iii) organizing regular progress review meeting with the Implementing Agencies and the contractors concerned, facilitate interagency coordination and cooperation between project components, reconciling any opposing views on the system design and implementation plans, and preparing a summary of each meeting for the project director of the PMU under OPMCM, ADB, and the cofinancier; (iv) providing technical advice to the Implementing Agencies in case of technical disputes with contractors; (v) reviewing the fund withdrawal applications submitted by the Implementing Agencies, checking their appropriateness and accuracy, and advising the chief project director of the PMU whether not to endorse them for payment; and (vi) preparing a quarterly project progress report and a quarterly project performance monitoring and evaluation report to be submitted to ADB.

The consulting package was completed on 15 March 2013.

The project management consultants was selected in accordance with Guidelines on The Use of Consultants (2007, as amended from time to time) following the quality- and cost-based selection (80:20) and a simplified technical proposal.

Procurement of goods, services, and civil works to be financed under the ADB grant will be carried out in accordance with ADB's Procurement Guidelines, which is amended from time to time.

Altogether fifteen ICB contract packages have been awarded including package for establishment of National Identity Card; and recently awarded two packages: (i) Government Integrated Data Centre (GIDC) Security Strengthening equipment; and (ii) GIDC Infrastructure Management equipment under NITC.