Nepal is a landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality. It is rich in natural beauty. It offers many plain in Terai, Hills and valleys in Hilly region and many snowcapped mountains in Himalayan/ Mountain region. Despite being a beautiful country with vast potential, Nepal has been lagging in technology and digitalization. Nepal’s technology sector has been slow to develop, and there are numerous reasons behind it. In this article, we will explore why Nepalese society is backward in technology and digitalization.
Limited Access to Electricity and Internet
Access to electricity and the internet is essential for the development of technology and digitalization. Unfortunately, Nepal faces significant challenges in this area. Despite being a country with vast hydroelectric potential, Nepal still faces frequent power cut. It is due to the difficult land structure. The lack of consistent electricity supply impedes the growth of technology and digitalization in Nepal. Additionally, the internet penetration rate is also relatively low in Nepal. It is due to must of the places are still remote. In this post we will further discuss about why Nepal lacks development in technology?
According to a report by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, only 35% of the country’s population has access to the internet. The lack of reliable electricity and internet services is one of the primary reasons why Nepal lags in technology and digitalization. However, the development is boosting day by day. With few years Nepal has the potential of booming it’s internet usage up to its full potential.
Poor Infrastructure
The poor infrastructure is another significant reason behind the country’s backwardness in technology and digitalization. Nepal has inadequate road networks, weak transportation systems, and insufficient telecommunication facilities. The lack of infrastructure makes it challenging to transport goods, set up businesses, and provide services. Moreover, the poor infrastructure makes it difficult for people to access and use technology, limiting the country’s digitalization efforts. The main reason for week infrastructure is it’s landscape. Beside that, landslide and floods are the prime cause of infrastructural damage. Despite, of many challenges Nepal government is planning some sustainable development projects that will boost the digital areas.
Lack of Investment in Research and Development
Investment in research and development is essential for the growth of technology and digitalization. However, Nepal has not invested enough in research and development. Nepal’s private sector has been reluctant to invest in research and development. However, government has not provided enough incentives to encourage private investment. The lack of investment in research and development limits the growth of technology and digitalization in Nepal. It is due to many factors. The main region for the underdevelopment is foreign employment. Youths are seeking foreign employment opportunity for better future. This lacked skill man power within the country. So, Research and development is quite slower than other countries.
Lack of Skilled Manpower
The availability of skilled manpower is critical for the development of technology and digitalization. However, Nepal faces a shortage of skilled manpower in these sectors. The education system in Nepal is primarily focused on theory, and there is a lack of practical training and hands-on experience. As a result, graduates lack the skills necessary to work in technology and digitalization. The shortage of skilled manpower makes it challenging to develop and implement new technologies, hindering the growth of technology and digitalization in Nepal. On the other hand skilled manpower is also not wanting to stay in Nepal. It is due to lower pay scale according to degree they have earned.
Conclusion
To sum up, Nepal’s backwardness in technology and digitalization can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to electricity and the internet, poor infrastructure, lack of investment in research and development, and a shortage of skilled manpower. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort by the government, private sector, and civil society. It is crucial to invest in infrastructure, provide incentives for private investment in research and development, and improve the education system to produce skilled manpower. Only then can Nepal overcome these challenges and embrace the digital age. However, Nepal government is taking some steps to change the current scenario. By implementing development plans and raising awareness Nepal will fulfill it’s digital dream.
