The picturesque city of Bhaktapur, known for its rich cultural heritage and meticulous preservation of historical architecture, faces a significant challenge in the digital realm. Despite Nepal’s growing recognition of the importance of information technology for economic and social development, Bhaktapur’s IT infrastructure and support systems remain inadequate for its tech professionals and the broader community. This disparity creates obstacles for skilled IT professionals residing in the area and limits the potential for technological innovation that could otherwise contribute to the city’s development while preserving its unique character. This report examines the current state of IT support in Bhaktapur, reviews past government initiatives, and proposes future directions to enhance the technological landscape of this historically significant city.
The Digital Nepal Framework
In 2019, the Government of Nepal introduced the Digital Nepal Framework, an ambitious blueprint designed to leverage digital technologies for economic growth and societal advancement. This framework identified eight key sectors for digital transformation: digital foundation, agriculture, health, education, energy, tourism, finance, and urban infrastructure(1). With approximately 80 digital initiatives planned across these sectors, the framework aimed to deliver an impact of up to NPR 800 billion by 2022(1). Among the notable initiatives were establishing internet as an essential service, improving spectrum availability, deploying 5G networks, developing a National Optical Fiber Network, and creating special economic zones for the ICT sector(1).
The Digital Nepal program employed a six-step strategic methodology, providing a pathway from the development of the framework document to implementation with continuous stakeholder engagement(1). This national-level initiative represented a significant commitment to integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into Nepal’s overall development strategy. However, the implementation at the local level, particularly in historically significant cities like Bhaktapur, has been inconsistent.
Nepal’s journey toward digital governance began in 2003 with a comprehensive study titled “Electronic Government in Nepal”. This study laid the groundwork for subsequent e-governance initiatives, including the eventual establishment of an e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system. By 2007, an e-GP Readiness Assessment determined that Nepal had achieved a reasonable level of readiness for electronic procurement systems. The assessment noted that internet connectivity was available in almost all government administrative premises, extending to the local level, and that numerous Rural Community Centers, Cyber Cafes, and Business Centers with ICT facilities existed across the country.
In 2010, the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) prepared the Nepal Public Procurement Strategic Framework (NPPSF) Phase I (2010-2013), followed by Phase II (2013-2016), which adopted a strategic policy for implementing a national e-GP system. This initiative received support from both the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, demonstrating international recognition of Nepal’s digital governance efforts.
In 2014, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development conducted an ICT survey of 111 local governments (LGs) across Nepal(2). This initiative, supported by the Local Governance and Community Development Program (LGCDP) and United Nations Volunteers, deployed 141 University Youth IT Volunteers to digitize government procedures, strengthen IT infrastructure, and enhance capacity at the local level(2). While the survey revealed varying degrees of ICT readiness among local governments—with Kathmandu scoring 59.3 and Jajarkot scoring 23.8—specific data for Bhaktapur was not provided in the search results(2).
Bhaktapur has earned international recognition for its approach to heritage preservation and reconstruction. Following the 2015 earthquake, the city demonstrated remarkable resilience and self-reliance in rebuilding its cultural treasures. Unlike other historical cities, Bhaktapur prioritized local funding and expertise, largely rejecting foreign aid in favor of community-led reconstruction efforts(3). This approach, while presenting certain technical challenges, has preserved the authenticity of rebuilt structures and fostered strong community ownership.
Sanu Suwal, a contractor involved in rebuilding six monuments in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, emphasized that “Almost all of the technicians and labourers at work here are locals”(3). This locally-driven approach extends a tradition that began decades earlier with the Bhaktapur Development Project, launched in 1974 as a collaboration between His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany(4). Even then, the guiding principle was “to make use of existing skills, technology and materials”(4).
While Bhaktapur’s success in heritage preservation demonstrates the city’s capacity for coordinated community action and technical implementation, a similar approach has not been evident in developing its IT infrastructure and support systems. The search results do not indicate any Bhaktapur-specific IT initiatives comparable to the city’s heritage preservation efforts. This suggests that despite national frameworks like Digital Nepal and programs supporting e-governance in local bodies, Bhaktapur may not have received targeted attention for IT development proportionate to its needs.
The gap is particularly concerning given Bhaktapur’s potential to become a hub for technology professionals who appreciate the city’s cultural richness while requiring modern digital infrastructure to contribute to Nepal’s growing tech sector. As Nepal works toward implementing smart cities in the Kathmandu Valley—with one such city planned to cover Gundu and Balkot areas in the eastern part of the valley near Bhaktapur—there is an opportunity to address these disparities(5).
The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has planned four smart cities in the Kathmandu Valley, with detailed project reports (DPRs) expected to be completed by 2019(5). Of particular relevance to Bhaktapur is the second smart city, which will cover Gundu (located to the south of Araniko Highway) and Balkot area in the eastern side of Kathmandu Valley(5). These areas’ proximity to Bhaktapur presents an opportunity for technological spillover and integration.
According to KVDA development commissioner Bhaikaji Tiwari, these smart cities will include essential components such as smart energy, governance, technology, healthcare, water, education, waste management, and well-managed infrastructure(5). The authority estimated the cost of building these smart cities at approximately Rs 500 billion, with Rs 100 billion to be financed using local resources and the remainder through foreign loans(5). Bhaktapur could potentially advocate for extension or adaptation of these smart city technologies to address its specific IT needs.
Bhaktapur’s successful approach to heritage reconstruction offers a template for addressing its IT infrastructure gaps. Just as the city mobilized local expertise and resources for heritage preservation, a similar community-led initiative could be launched for IT development. This would involve identifying local IT professionals, creating collaborative platforms, establishing training programs, and developing shared resources.
The “localization approach” mentioned in the search results—recognizing that different municipalities have distinct needs (e.g., “Need of Ramechhap MUN versus Bhaktapur MUN”)—supports the idea that Bhaktapur requires IT solutions tailored to its specific context(2). Similarly, the “bottom-up modality” and “citizen first approach” advocated for e-governance could be applied to IT development in Bhaktapur(2).
The search results suggest that a “Government-led and Private Sector driven model” could be effective for technological development, citing the Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s Rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF) as an example(2). For Bhaktapur, this could involve partnerships between the municipality, local IT professionals, educational institutions, and private sector entities to develop shared infrastructure, innovation hubs, or specialized training programs.
Reliable electricity is fundamental to IT development. The Nepal Compact’s Electricity Transmission Project aims to “increase domestic electricity consumption by improving the availability and reliability of electricity in Nepal’s electricity grid”(6). This includes the construction of approximately 300 kilometers of high voltage power lines and three substations, as well as technical assistance to strengthen the Electricity Regulatory Commission(6). While not specific to Bhaktapur, these improvements to the national grid would benefit the city’s IT sector by providing the stable power supply necessary for technology operations.
The Digital Nepal Framework includes several initiatives related to connectivity, such as establishing the internet as an essential service, improving spectrum availability and management, deploying 5G networks, and developing a National Optical Fiber Network(1). Bhaktapur could advocate for prioritization within these national plans or develop complementary local initiatives to enhance connectivity within the city.
The Digital Nepal Framework mentions “special economic zones for ICT sector” and a “Digital Innovation and Co-creation Hub”(1). Bhaktapur could explore establishing similar facilities on a smaller scale, creating spaces where local IT professionals can collaborate, access shared resources, and develop innovative solutions. This could build upon the city’s existing cultural infrastructure and educational institutions.
For effective IT development, Bhaktapur must consider alignment with national policies while adapting them to local contexts. The search results recommend that local governments adhere to “National IT Policies and master plans,” “Open data initiatives,” “Government Enterprise Architecture (GEA),” and ensure interoperability with government applications(2). At the same time, they should consider using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and social media to promote transparency(2).
Skills enhancement for both staff and citizens is identified as a consideration for local governments implementing e-governance(2). For Bhaktapur, this could involve targeted training programs for municipal staff, educational initiatives for the general public, and specialized development opportunities for IT professionals. Such capacity-building efforts would complement infrastructure improvements and policy changes.
Adequate financial provision is essential, with the recommendation to “consider ICT as other development area”(2). Bhaktapur municipality could allocate dedicated funds for IT development in its annual budget, similar to how it prioritizes heritage preservation. Additionally, it could explore funding opportunities through national programs, international partnerships, or innovative financing mechanisms.
Bhaktapur stands at a crossroads where its celebrated heritage preservation model could inform a similarly successful approach to IT development. By examining past national initiatives like the Digital Nepal Framework and e-governance programs, and considering the specific needs of its IT professionals and broader community, Bhaktapur can develop a tailored strategy for enhancing its technological landscape.
The city’s demonstrated capacity for community mobilization, technical implementation, and preservation of its unique character positions it well to address current IT support gaps. By leveraging upcoming smart city initiatives, applying its community-led model to IT development, forming strategic public-private partnerships, and ensuring appropriate infrastructure and policy frameworks, Bhaktapur can create an environment where technology professionals thrive while contributing to the city’s overall development.
The challenge now is to bring the same level of commitment, expertise, and local ownership to IT development that has made Bhaktapur a model for heritage preservation. With thoughtful planning and coordinated action, Bhaktapur can bridge its digital divide while maintaining the cultural authenticity that makes it unique.