KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has highlighted the importance of embracing a ‘paperless and faceless’ system to achieve meaningful good governance in the future.

Speaking at a conference in Kathmandu on Sunday, Prime Minister Dahal emphasized the prioritization of technology for efficient service delivery.

“The government is committed to advancing computer technology, robotics, data science, machine learning, and the Internet of Things,” he said adding, “To realize this, we will incorporate a comprehensive policy on artificial intelligence in the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy, 2076, and Digital Nepal, aligning it with the 2019 Framework.”.

Prime Minister Dahal highlighted ongoing studies and research in emerging technologies, with allocated funds for the Science Technology Innovation Fund to promote the science and technology sector.

He directed the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to foster opportunities for self-reliance in technology.

In anticipation of the next fiscal year’s policy and budget proposal, the Prime Minister assured special emphasis on science and technology, research, and innovation, incorporating these elements into the proposed 16th periodic plan.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat stated that starting next year, the government agencies will prioritize projects aimed at enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in innovation and productivity growth.

Expressing optimism about the ‘Artificial Intelligence for a Prosperous Nepal – Jobs in the Future’ conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and stakeholders, Prime Minister Dahal believed it will contribute to realizing the vision of a prosperous Nepal.

Prime Minister Dahal underscored the potential of artificial intelligence in handling routine or time-consuming tasks, as well as tasks beyond human capability.