Digital by name, physical by nature
Summary
Despite the provision of online forms for passports, citizenships, and driving licenses, physical presence and document submissions remain mandatory in Nepal, highlighting challenges in digital service implementation amid ongoing government reforms.
Key Points
- Despite online applications for passports and driving licenses, physical presence and printed documents are still mandatory in Nepalese government services.
- The government led by Balendra Shah prioritizes transforming key public services into a fully digital, faceless, and time-bound system as part of a hundred-point governance reform agenda.
- Digital infrastructure and literacy are critical pillars emphasized for successful digital service delivery, with current efforts still considered 'semi-digitized'.
- Past governments have laid the foundation for digital governance, and current plans include significant investment from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for digital transformation projects.
