May 3: The officials at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology have argued that information technology (IT) sector has opened up new avenues for employment as an IT-friendly society is being created in Nepal.    
Joint Secretary at the ministry, Anil Kumar Dutta, viewed that IT could prosper agriculture, tourism and health sectors as well.

"IT is a borderless issue. One can work for abroad staying at home. The IT experts and youths can make windfall in this field," he added.    
According to him, a study conducted a year back had showed that 64,000 Nepali youths were involved in the IT business and entrepreneurship and earning foreign currency.    
Meanwhile, the National Information and Communications Day was observed in Nepal on Thursday in a bid to promote IT.    
Nepal had introduced computer in 2028 BS. The restoration of democracy in 2046 BS had further created liberal atmosphere which facilitated the launch and expansion of IT business. Computer Association of Nepal was established then. The Day CAN was established is now observed as the National Information and Communications Day.    
Joint Secretary Dutta further shared that government was mulling a concept of IT park or tech park and working on policy and law reform so that foreign investment could be ensured along with the entry of tech giants like Microsoft and Google in Nepal.    
He however said Nepal needs high speed internet, expansion of optical fibres, broadband connectivity and development of software.    
Moreover, Director General at the Department of Information Technology, Prem Sharan Shrestha, said government was making efforts to bring reforms in IT sector. Paperless integrated office management system is in place for two years, which has eased service delivery, he added. -- RSS