Kathmandu: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has prepared a draft of the 'National Artificial Intelligence Policy, 2081', aiming for the systematic development and regulation of AI in Nepal. The ministry has invited public suggestions on the draft, which envisions transformative changes in the socio-economic and administrative sectors through AI adoption.

The policy aims to increase AI usage, encourage research and development, enhance governance and public services, create new business opportunities, promote innovation, and mitigate risks through proper regulation. According to the draft, AI has the potential to revolutionize education, healthcare, transportation, tourism, agriculture, finance, disaster management, and entertainment by increasing AI literacy, improving efficiency, ensuring data accessibility, and developing a strong data ecosystem.

The primary objective of the policy is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately boosting Nepal’s GDP through sectoral coordination and strengthening of existing structures. The draft also outlines the goal of building a secure and sustainable AI ecosystem, producing skilled human resources, and enhancing public service delivery through AI integration.

To ensure safe and responsible AI usage, the policy includes provisions for AI regulation and monitoring. It also focuses on advancing digital infrastructure, improving data management, and fostering sectoral growth. The draft proposes the formation of key AI institutions, including:

AI Regulatory Council – To provide guidance on AI development and usage.
National AI Centre – To coordinate AI growth and implementation across sectors.
AI Excellence Centres – To drive innovation and research in artificial intelligence.
With AI's growing influence in health, education, finance, disaster management, and other sectors, the ministry underscores the importance of establishing a strong legal framework to guide its responsible adoption. The government is moving forward with legal and policy initiatives to maximize AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.