KATHMANDU: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Parbat Gurung has highlighted the need to ensure all Nepalis’ access to information and technology.

Speaking at an interaction programme on access and quality of telecommunications services organised by the ministry in Kathmandu Thursday, Minister Gurung pledged to include new issues in the upcoming fiscal year’s policy and programs to improve the current status of the IT sector.

On the occasion, Minister Gurung said the government would formulate new plans after reviewing initiatives on development and expansion of information and technology in all seven provinces. The ministry is scheduled to collect feedback on the progress achieved in information technology sector from all seven provinces, starting Friday.

Taking part in the interaction, lawmaker Dr Bijay Subba of Province 1 suggested that the government should work to improve the quality of internet and mobile phone services in rural areas. Likewise, lawmaker Yagyaraj Sunuwar drew the government’s attention to the people’s poor access to such facilities in the rural areas of Province 1.

Secretary at the ministry Hari Prasad Basyal informed about the government’s preparation on drafting telecommunications strategy in 2021/22 fiscal year after collecting the feedback from stakeholders.

Chairman of Nepal Telecommunications Authority Purushottam Khanal and Managing Director of Nepal Telecom Dilliram Adhikari shared the initiatives of their respective organizations to enhance people’s access to information and technology.