KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Information and Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina have signed a performance agreement for fiscal year 2026/27, setting measurable targets for the development and transformation of Nepal’s communications sector.
The agreement aims to make the ministry’s major programmes more results-oriented by assigning specific deadlines, performance indicators and milestones to key projects.
The agreement was signed and exchanged during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Wednesday.
It covers programmes included in the Nepal Government’s Business Allocation Rules 2083, the annual policy and programme, and the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, with an emphasis on delivering expected results within specified timelines, costs and quality standards.
The government has prioritised evaluating ministry performance based on measurable outcomes and achievements.
Under the agreement, the ministry aims to make the current fiscal year a significant year for the development, expansion and transformation of the communications sector.
Key priorities include promoting good governance, improving public service delivery, expanding communications infrastructure, increasing access to digital technology, improving the quality of telecommunications and IT services, expanding nationwide communications coverage, and strengthening the administrative and financial performance of the ministry and its agencies.
Optical fibre expansion among key targets
The agreement sets major infrastructure targets, including the expansion of optical fibre networks.
The ministry plans to add 1,000 kilometres of optical fibre with 24 cores or more and 6,500 kilometres of optical fibre with up to 12 cores during the current fiscal year.
Expanding fixed and mobile broadband access and improving the quality and organisation of telecommunications infrastructure are also among the key performance indicators.
The government has also set targets to expand 4G coverage, increase telephone users and further widen mobile broadband access, with the aim of connecting people in rural and remote areas to quality communications services through digital technology.
Radio Nepal, Nepal Television to expand digital reach
The agreement also seeks to extend the reach of traditional media through digital platforms.
Expanding the national reach of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, including through digital platforms, has been identified as a priority.
The government also plans to modernise postal services and expand the operation of express mail services.
100% grievance resolution target
The agreement places emphasis on financial discipline and public accountability within the ministry.
It sets a target of resolving 100 percent of complaints received in order to improve service delivery and address citizens’ concerns.
The agreement establishes clear responsibilities for the ministry regarding the areas of work to be completed and the results expected during the fiscal year.
Following the agreement between the prime minister and communications minister, a separate performance agreement will also be signed between the communications minister and the ministry secretary.
The agreement with the secretary will be made in accordance with the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2019 and the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Regulations, 2020, with the aim of making ministry programmes more accountable and results-oriented.
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