International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the oldest specialised agency of the United Nations, established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union and renamed the ITU in 1934. Its headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland. It became a UN specialised agency in 1947 and currently has 193 member states, including Nepal. It works on the principle of international cooperation for the rational use of telecommunications.

Main functions:

1. Standardisation: It allocates and registers the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, and sets global technical standards (ITU-T Recommendations) so that networks and equipment of different countries can interconnect.
2. Coordination of radio communications: Through the Radio Regulations and World Radiocommunication Conferences, it prevents harmful interference among countries using radio frequencies.
3. Development assistance: Through the ITU-D sector, it provides technical assistance, capacity building and policy advice to developing countries to bridge the digital divide.
4. Technical study and research: It studies technical, operational and tariff questions through its three sectors — Radiocommunication (ITU-R), Standardisation (ITU-T) and Development (ITU-D).
5. Promotion of global connectivity: It promotes equitable access to information and communication technologies, emergency communications and the development of new technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things.

In short, the ITU is the global forum that coordinates the shared use of telecommunications resources and sets standards for worldwide interconnection.

Digital Nepal Framework (2019)

Introduction: The Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) was unveiled by the Government of Nepal in August 2019 (Shrawan 2076) with the vision of transforming Nepal into a digitally empowered, knowledge-based and prosperous society. It aims to harness digital technologies as a driver of economic growth, good governance, social inclusion and improved public service delivery, in line with the goal of "Digital Nepal, Prosperous Nepal" and the SDGs.

Main Features:

1. Eight core sectors and 80 initiatives: The framework identifies 8 priority sectors and lists 80 concrete digital initiatives to be implemented in phases.
2. Foundation pillars: It rests on digital infrastructure (broadband, 4G/5G, fibre backbone), digital literacy and skills, cybersecurity and data privacy, and supportive legal/policy frameworks.
3. Integration and interoperability: Emphasis on a national data centre, Government Enterprise Architecture, interoperable government systems and a "Once-Only" principle for citizen data.
4. Public–private partnership: Encourages collaboration among government, private sector, academia, development partners and startups.
5. Citizen-centric service delivery: Focus on online, paperless, accessible and transparent services.
6. Phased implementation: Short-term, medium-term and long-term action plans with monitoring through a high-level Digital Nepal Coordination Committee.

Areas of Work (8 Sectors):

1. Digital Foundation – broadband connectivity, national fibre backbone, data centres, cybersecurity, digital ID.
2. Agriculture – smart farming, e-extension services, market information systems, agriculture management information system.
3. Health – electronic health records, telemedicine, e-health cards, online appointment and medicine tracking.
4. Education – e-learning platforms, digital classrooms, online teacher training, digital content in Nepali.
5. Energy – smart metering, smart grid, online billing and renewable energy management.
6. Tourism – digital promotion, e-visa, online booking, tourist information and tracking systems.
7. Finance – digital payments, mobile/digital banking, digital wallets, expansion of branchless banking.
8. Urban Infrastructure – smart cities, intelligent transport, e-governance in municipalities, digital land records and e-building permits.

Conclusion: The Digital Nepal Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for harnessing ICT for national development. Its success depends on sustained investment in infrastructure, reliable electricity and internet, digital literacy, strong cybersecurity, and effective coordination among all tiers of government and the private sector.

The National Information and Communication Technology Policy, 2072 (2015) of Nepal sets out the following key objectives:

1. To make ICT services accessible, reliable and affordable for all citizens, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
2. To promote good governance through e-governance, making public service delivery transparent, accountable and efficient.
3. To contribute to socio-economic development, poverty reduction and employment generation by expanding the ICT sector and digital economy.
4. To develop and expand modern ICT infrastructure (broadband, optical fibre, mobile networks) throughout the country, including remote areas.
5. To develop skilled ICT human resources through education, training and capacity building, and to retain them in the country.
6. To encourage private sector participation, investment and entrepreneurship, and to promote ICT-based industries.
7. To build and strengthen the legal, regulatory and institutional framework for ICT development.
8. To promote digital literacy and public awareness so that citizens can use ICT services.
9. To integrate ICT into education, health, agriculture and other priority sectors to improve public services.
10. To ensure secure use of ICT by safeguarding cyber security, privacy and data integrity.

Subject matters to be included in the Citizen's Charter (5 marks)

A Citizen's Charter is a public statement by a government office informing service seekers about what it provides and what standards they can expect. Under the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2064 and the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Rules, 2065, every public office must prepare and publicly display a Citizen's Charter. The subject matters to be included in it are:

1. Services provided by the office — a clear list of all services delivered by the office, along with the legal basis (prevailing law) for each service.

2. Service delivery process and required documents — the step-by-step procedure to obtain each service, the documents to be submitted, and the office or desk where the application is to be filed.

3. Time limit for service delivery — the maximum time within which each service will be completed, and the name and designation of the responsible employee or officer.

4. Service charge/fee — the amount of fee or charge payable for each service and the legal provision under which it is collected.

5. Rights and duties of service seekers — what the service seeker is entitled to (courteous treatment, reasons for delay or refusal, receipt of application) and what is expected of them (submitting true details, following the prescribed process).

6. Complaint and grievance handling mechanism — the name, designation, address and contact details of the officer to whom complaints about delay, refusal or misconduct may be made, and the remedy available.

7. Information about the responsible authority — the name and designation of the officer accountable for each service, along with the supervising authority.

8. Other matters — particulars of the office, its working hours, holidays, and any other matter prescribed by the law or necessary to make the charter effective.

In short, the Citizen's Charter must cover the what, how, how long, how much, by whom, and what if not done of every service, so that service delivery becomes transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly.

Actions Public Entities Must Take to Respect and Protect the Citizen's Right to Information under the Right to Information Act, 2064

The Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007) makes it a legal duty of every public entity to keep citizens informed. To respect and protect this right, public entities must take the following actions:

1. Maintain and update information (Sec. 3 & 4):

• Maintain records of their activities, decisions, and functions in an orderly manner.
• Update such information every three months and publish it for public access.
• Classify information and keep it updated.

2. Proactive (suo motu) disclosure (Sec. 5):

• Publish details of organizational structure, functions, duties, services, fees, and decision-making procedures.
• Inform citizens about the name, designation, and contact of the Information Officer.
• Update the published information every three months.
• Disseminate information through notice boards, websites, newspapers, and other accessible means.

3. Designate an Information Officer (Sec. 6):

• Appoint an Information Officer in each public entity to receive and process requests.
• Display the officer's name and contact details publicly.

4. Process requests within time (Sec. 7 & 8):

• Provide requested information within 15 working days (within 24 hours on matters concerning life, liberty, or safety).
• If information is refused, give written reasons within 7 working days and inform the citizen of the right to appeal.

5. Maintain a proper record and reporting system (Sec. 10 & 26):

• Keep a register of requests received and decisions made.
• Submit annual reports to the National Information Commission on implementation.

6. Protect and facilitate access (Sec. 7, 8 & 27):

• Not withhold information except in the limited cases of exemption provided by law.
• Provide information in an easily understandable form and assist persons with disabilities or those unable to read/write.
• Face action for willful refusal, delay, or furnishing false information.

7. Respect the appeal and accountability mechanism (Sec. 19–24):

• Comply with orders of the Chief Information Commissioner and the National Information Commission.
• Cooperate with the Commission's oversight and investigation.

Conclusion: By maintaining records, proactively disclosing information every three months, appointing information officers, and promptly responding to requests, public entities translate the citizen's right to information into practice and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.