GadgetByte Nepal

Yesterday, the Nepalese government unveiled its budget allocation for the fiscal year 2078-79 with a total capital of NPR 1647.57 billion. In terms of the IT industry, the government has included programs such as broadband expansion, e-governance, startup loans, and many more. Furthermore, the 2078-79 budget for the ICT sector also focuses on youth empowerment. 

2078-79 budget on ICT sector:

Education

Laptop at 1% Interest

Let us begin by discussing the proposal for pupils and the educational system as a whole. The finance minister announced that the government has decided to provide loans of up to NPR 80,000 (at 1% interest) to students over the age of 16 for the purchase of a laptop. The loan must be returned within two years and is only available to students enrolled in government institutions.

University & portal for students

Moving forward, the government will enhance its dedicated portal named Sikai Chautari to expand the reach of education through the internet. Students from any school or location are welcome to participate and learn.

Finance minister Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel also announced that the Madan Bhandari Technical University in Kavre would open its doors in the coming fiscal year. Furthermore, the administration intends to establish technical schools at all local levels.

Loan to graduates 

To encourage the nation’s young entrepreneurs, the government will grant loans of up to NPR 2.5 million to startups at 1% interest rates. To qualify for startup financing, graduates must provide an academic certificate as proof.

In addition, startups will also get an exemption on profit tax for five years from the date of their establishment.

Free internet & SIM

The government plans to provide free internet access to all community schools throughout the country. Within the next fiscal year, 60 percent of community schools will have a free broadband internet connection. In addition, students who are 16 years or more will be eligible to get a free SIM card.

For citizens

The government of Nepal has put up a number of proposals to expedite the process of manual or time-consuming operations.

Digitized land-management

A while ago, we came to know about Mero Kitta and NeLIS, a digital initiative that provides land-related services like map print, plot register print, and fieldbook print. Now, it appears that the government is ready to take it to the next level.

In the coming fiscal year, the government plans to digitize the majority of its land-related processes. This eliminates the need to personally visit the Malpot office and complete the necessary paperwork.

Nagarik app

The full version of the Nagarik app was launched on May 3 and the government has vowed to add numerous services to the platform. To that end, Mr. Paudel stated that major services (such as bill book renewal, Malpot, and so on) would be shifted to the Nagarik app.

Vehicle tracking

A few years ago, the Nepal government introduced the notion of embossed number plates for automobiles. However, in practice, the implementation has been limited to a small number of vehicles.

Furthermore, the government has raised the same subject again and stated that radio frequency-equipped (RFID) embossed number plates will be provided for vehicles starting next fiscal year. In addition, the driver will get an electronic license which will help to track his/her movement or location.

QR benefits

Starting with the next fiscal year, you will receive a 10% VAT refund on products purchased and paid for with a QR code. The add-on incentive will encourage the digitization of the payment process. In addition, the government has also chosen to incorporate QR codes into passports.

Unified national payment

As per the plans of the government, a national payment switch will come into operation shortly, which will integrate various online payment gateways and provide a unified platform for online transactions. The project is currently being worked on by Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL).

NTV global version

NTV, Nepal’s first television station, will be adding a new channel to its lineup. The channel, dubbed “NTV World,” will be one-of-a-kind in order to expand Nepalese content beyond the country’s borders.

Tele-medicines

With this initiative, people living in rural places will be able to access healthcare services through electronic media. However, the service is not solely for the remote areas, but the government’s goals are primarily to focus on rural regions of the country.

In telecommunication

The approach under this category involves the growth of 4G networks, the introduction of MDMS, fiber expansion, and other initiatives.

MDMS Implementation

MDMS is a term that will directly affect the majority of Nepali smartphone consumers. Short for Mobile Device Management System, this system assures that the smartphone, feature phones, or tablets will only enter Nepal through official channels.

On the contrary, MDMS will block any and all such devices that arrive via unofficial channels like grey markets. As a result, they will be inaccessible to network connectivity throughout the country. The system will come into effect from the beginning of Shrawan. Find more about it here.

Nepal Telecom shares to the public

Another fascinating piece of news announced during the budget speech might be of interest to investors in the share market. The government-owned telecom company, Nepal Telecom has decided to distribute 22% of the company share to the general public who are using the NT’s mobile, landline, or internet services.

In EVs

Last but not the least, the 2078-79 budget for the ICT sector has several proposals that aim to expand the country’s electric vehicle scenario. Through Sajha Yatayat, at least 100 electric buses will come into operation in Kathmandu Valley within the fiscal year.

Furthermore, the government plans to lure the top 10 EV companies in the world to manufacture/assemble their electric vehicles in Nepal. And the most exciting news of them all has to be the elimination of excise duty on the import of EVs—alongside reduced custom duty.

It will undoubtedly make things easier for local EV companies like Yatri to grow and establish themselves in Nepal.

• Meanwhile, check out our gaming PC build under $1,000.

Midas has been working to digitize hospital-related services for over two decades in Nepal. More than 120 hospitals throughout the country have benefited from the organization’s digital approach in managing their facilities. It has now come up with a method for the Nepalese population to obtain health counseling services from the comfort of their own homes. Midas has officially inaugurated the “Mero Doctor” platform to provide video-based consultations to patients. 

Mero Doctor Overview:

Ideation

For decades, the Nepalese healthcare system has been plagued by a lack of sufficient hospitals, doctors, health staff, and adequate finances. And as the pandemic worsens, people have been unable to leave their homes, which poses a challenge for patients who require frequent health check-ups and consultations.

The idea of Mero Doctor spurred due to this unideal situation in the country. Midas believes that Mero Doctor will help mitigate the risks of untimely medication or consultation from doctors. It ensures that both parties are in frequent touch with one another and proper medications have been followed by the patient. 

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Facilities

The app has a portfolio of hundreds of professionals in their respective fields. One can select his or her physician from the appropriate department and reserve a time window for the video consultation. The platform is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, it is important to understand that one should refer to Mero Doctor only for NON-EMERGENCY consultations.

The patients who are unable to commute to the hospital due to health difficulties, geographical constraints, or any other reason may utilize Mero Doctor to save resources and time. Furthermore, Midas is also offering individuals free COVID-19 related health care consultations.

Midas Mero Doctor: Accessibility

The app has a straightforward and easy-to-grasp user interface that is accessible via several platforms. Mero Doctor application for Android/iOS devices can be downloaded from Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, respectively. In addition, you may check out its services by visiting merodoctor.com on your web browser as well.

• Meanwhile, check out our review of Razer Blade Stealth 13.