Government should support IT Companies, not compete with them

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle’s announcement to establish a government-owned IT company under the Prime Minister’s Office has started a new debate in Nepal’s technology sector.

The government says the company will help manage public software projects, improve cyber security, and support Digital Nepal. However, IT leaders have raised concerns that the government should not enter the market as a competitor when Nepal already has capable private IT companies and startups.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President of Computer Association Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) and IT policy coordinator, said the government’s main role should be to create policies, standards, infrastructure, and a fair environment for the technology sector.

According to Chiranjibi Adhikari, Nepal already has skilled IT professionals and software companies that can build strong digital systems. He said the government should support Nepal-made software instead of creating a state-run company that could weaken private sector competition.

Chiranjibi Adhikari suggested that the government should focus on setting national cyber security standards, improving the public procurement process, building secure digital infrastructure, and giving priority to Nepali technology products.

Chiranjibi Adhikari also stressed the need for a public-private partnership model, where the government provides policy leadership and the private sector handles implementation.

He said Digital Nepal will succeed only if the government acts as a facilitator and platform builder, while strengthening Nepali startups, software companies, and the wider IT industry.