This demonstrates that Nepali society is moving forward in the current global environment by aligning its identity. It also contributes to the digitization and transparency of service delivery by state agencies, which also increases the potential for good governance.
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According to the ‘Nepal Multi-Indicator Survey 2024/25’, the data showing that 85.1 percent of Nepali households have a smartphone and 82 percent have access to the internet is encouraging. At a time when smartphones and the internet are basic necessities for everything from information to business, the growing access of Nepalis opens up new possibilities.
This shows that Nepali society is moving forward by aligning with the current global environment. It also contributes to the digitization and transparency of service delivery by state bodies, which also increases the possibility of good governance. Therefore, increasing access to smartphones and the Internet also helps to improve the quality of life of the people.
However, increasing access and its proper use are separate issues. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss what is happening with internet-connected smartphones and what can be done at the same time. Only then can we plan to effectively benefit from access. We can prepare a roadmap that benefits everyone from the state to the citizens.
Increasing access to smartphones and the Internet also means increasing citizens' access to digital media. Increasing access to new media for news and information. New employment opportunities. Increasing access to social media, online news media and e-banking. Increasing access to digital media and content from around the world. Therefore, anyone living in remote areas and using a smartphone has been able to unite with the world through the Internet.
For this reason, there has been an increase in the number of people in Nepal who are asking questions and imitating the civil struggles of other countries by looking at the progress made by other countries. Social media has made it possible for citizens to raise their voices and express their opinions on issues of public concern even while living in different places. In other words, it has improved citizen surveillance of the state. Therefore, access to smartphones and the internet has contributed to the quality of democracy in addition to the lifestyle of the individual.
According to data from a few months ago, about 85 percent of households in India have access to smartphones. Similarly, 86 percent have access to the internet. In terms of percentage, this is a figure that is comparable to Nepal. However, there is a huge gap in the percentage of access in urban and rural areas in India and Nepal. Such a gap is also seen in developed countries. Therefore, to expand access to rural areas, the state should also develop internet infrastructure. Quality should be ensured. However, the quality of the internet is not effective even in the capital of Nepal.
According to the ‘Nepal Multi-Indicator Survey 2024/25’, ownership of computers (desktops, laptops, tablets) required for professional or productive work is limited to 16.8 percent. Only 10.2 percent of the population can use mathematical formulas in spreadsheets (Excel), which are considered basic for data management and professional work.
The population that can program a computer is even less at 3.1 percent, and 24.2 percent can copy and paste data or content between documents or devices. Only 9.3 percent know how to connect devices like pen drives, cameras, or printers. The share of those who know how to create electronic presentations is 17.6 percent. Only 19.9 percent know how to adjust privacy settings on their devices, accounts, or apps.
Only 19.2 percent can check the reliability or fact of information on the Internet, while 23.8 percent can adjust security features. Therefore, technical and digital literacy seems to be weak. Also, although Nepal has succeeded in producing 'digital consumers', it seems to be struggling to prepare 'digital producers'.
The state should have a plan on how to ensure effective achievement from the smartphones with internet in the hands of citizens. If not thought about strategically and creatively, the smartphones in the hands of the algorithm will be guided and will spread confusion to the citizens. This will continue to create cracks in the state system, system, social-family-personal relationships. Therefore, the state should implement a plan to increase digital literacy.
Then, the state should focus on expanding the structure and expanding services. The increasing access to smartphones and the internet can be used in a planned manner for education, health, employment, government services, and information, even in rural areas. From school education, subjects ranging from internet use to cyber security should be taught. Educational activities should be carried out through digital means.
Rural citizens can easily and immediately get health services through telemedicine. If the state's service delivery can be digitized, it will save citizens' time and contribute to good governance. Moreover, if the service medium can be made mobile-friendly, more and more citizens will benefit. Statistics alone cannot show strong access to smartphones and the internet. Benefits must be derived from it. For that, the state must make a policy and move forward.
