Nepal's federal structure has established the local level as the main base for service delivery. Over the past few years, local levels have taken various initiatives to make service delivery easy, transparent and result-oriented through the use of information and technology. However, they still seem to be struggling to move forward while utilizing the opportunities amidst the siege of challenges.
Most local levels have tried to digitize their official websites, online tax systems, birth and death registration, citizenship recommendation, and distribution of social security allowances.
Some rural municipalities and municipalities have announced the 'Smart Municipality' program and started the practice of providing direct benefits to citizens through the use of information technology.
This has not only increased the speed of government work, but has also paved the way for controlling corruption, increasing public participation, and ensuring accountability. However, along with the achievements shown by the use of technology, there are also some limitations.
First, there is a shortage of skilled manpower at many local levels. Computer operators or IT officers are only in name, they do not have access to the necessary training and technical knowledge. Second, internet access in rural areas is still weak. This hinders the ability to work in online systems. Third, the lack of budgetary resources has also made it difficult to expand information technology.
However, there is a lot of potential to overcome these challenges. The federal and provincial governments have seen a situation where they need to prioritize the expansion of IT infrastructure. Local governments should provide continuous technical training to their employees so that technology is not just a tool for demonstration, but becomes the mainstay of service delivery. The practice of developing digital solutions in collaboration with the private sector should also be prioritized.
In the era of information and technology, local governance can provide quality services to citizens only if it can update itself. The efforts initiated by local governments in Nepal are encouraging, but it is essential to emphasize a clear strategy, skilled human resources, and technical infrastructure for stability and sustainability.
If technology is to become the backbone of transparency, accountability, and good governance, today's investment will become the foundation of tomorrow's capable local governance.
