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.

Government information and data center (GIDC) strengthened through preparation of Government e-architecture, establishment of GIDC and launching of national portal. Equipment for groupware; video conference installed and application for document management system installed in different government offices.

Developed and rolled out IT based online system: (i) i.e., NID system at NIDMC; (ii)for applying to the government job vacancies at Public service commission; (iii) land record management system at Department of Land Record Management; and (iv) electronic driving license system at Department of Transport Management. Online vehicle registration system was also developed for DOTM which could not get rolled out within the project duration.

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

Land record management system developed for Department of Land record management was pilot launched in Kalanki LRO on 10 Aug 2015; and rolled out in all other 13 LROs with issuance of Operational Acceptance Certificate in June 2017.

Pilot launch of the Electronic Driving License System was done on 30 Nov 2015; and was put in to operation in all targeted 13 DOTM offices. Vehicle registration system was also developed.

Online system for application to the government job vacancies announced through Public Service Commission was developed. External portal was launched on 8 April 2015 and the system is functioning properly.

Government information and data center (GIDC) strengthened through: (i) preparation of Government e-architecture, (ii) cabinet approval of the National ICT Operating Policy for GEA and NeGIF on 22 February 2015; (iii) subsequent establishment of GIDC and launching of national portal; and (iv) installation of equipment for groupware and video conference; and development and installation of application for document management system in different government offices; and (v) preparation of the government e-architecture and launching of national portal on 4 December 2013.

For developing nationwide human resources for e-government and ICT: (i) Curriculum and materials developed for ICT; (ii) 118 training were imparted to government staff through 13 training service providers and trained 3,821 government staff (male:3,385 and female:436).

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 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.

Then major consulting package under the grant was completed on 15 March 2013.