October 4, Kathmandu.
Information and Communication Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina stated that Nepal should not only focus on digital transformation but also build a resilient digital system.
Addressing the Digital Nepal Conclave 2026, Minister Timilsina stated that recent disaster events have shown that the importance of information, communication, and data during a crisis is as crucial as infrastructure.
He stated that during times of disaster, even if roads and other physical structures are blocked, communication and information flow must remain continuous.
He said, ‘For many years, when we talked about digital transformation, we mainly discussed it in terms of efficiency, ease, and modernization. We discussed how technology can make government services faster, businesses more productive, and citizens more connected. Those goals are certainly important. But the events of the past few weeks have reminded us that digital transformation should not be limited to this; it must be much more. Nepal needs not just digital transformation, but resilient digital transformation.’
Highlighting the loss of life and property, displacement of communities, and damage to infrastructure caused by the floods and disaster in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli rivers, he stated that the government is involved in rescue, relief, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. He added that the disaster also tested information systems, communication networks, coordination among government agencies, and the necessary preparedness for disaster response.
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He said, ‘The devastating disaster in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli rivers has dealt a deep blow to our nation. We witnessed firsthand the loss of life and property, displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, and families searching for answers amidst uncertainty. As a government, we are involved in the long process of rescue, relief, recovery, and now rehabilitation and reconstruction. But amidst this disaster, we have also learned some important lessons. In times of crisis, information becomes as important as infrastructure.’
He stated that during times of crisis, there is a need for arrangements where digital systems can continuously serve citizens, the government can communicate effectively, government agencies can coordinate in real-time, and essential services and information can reach citizens. He also pointed out the need for an information system that can distinguish between facts and rumors in situations where misinformation can spread faster than truth.
He said, ‘Communication becomes as important as transport. Data becomes as important as physical resources, and trust becomes as important as technology. When roads are blocked, communication must remain open. When communities are isolated, information flow must continue. When emergency decisions need to be made, reliable data must be available. And when fear and uncertainty spread, citizens must have access to reliable information.’
Emphasizing that digital transformation should not be seen merely as a technical project, Minister Timilsina stated that it must be advanced by linking it with governance reform, development, and nation-building.
He stated that the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is committed to building a connected and resilient Nepal by strengthening communication systems, expanding citizens’ access to information, and promoting information integrity. For this, he said, cooperation with stakeholders including government bodies, the private sector, academia, innovators, development partners, and citizens will be continued.
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