Himal Press 
Prithvi Subba Gurung
KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that the second phase of the Digital Nepal Framework-2 (DNF 2.0) will be implemented within the current fiscal year.
Speaking at a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the National Assembly on Sunday, Minister Gurung said that the draft of the DNF 2.0 has been completed and will soon be presented to the cabinet for approval.
The first phase of the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF 1.0), introduced in 2019, had outlined eight key domains and 80 initiatives. The second phase will also include eight domains—agriculture, health, education, urban infrastructure, energy, tourism, finance and the digital foundation—updated to reflect current needs.
The implementation of the DNF 2.0, a key initiative for the country’s economic transformation and prosperity, is estimated to cost Rs 107.5 billion.
Minister Gurung said that the thematic areas of DNF 2.0 will require collaboration with the relevant ministries, while a coordination committee led by the Chief Secretary will be formed at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
To make the framework more effective, Gurung added that the ministry will soon seek Cabinet approval for a draft policy on artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister Gurung also said that the ministry is actively involved in digitizing the Postal Service Department, building a data centre, expanding the 4G network to all households and launching 5G services this year in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
