National 3 (Spotlight Weekly)

Student Skills

An exhibition showcases the country's achievements in information technology

By THAKUR AMAGAI

Among the rare accomplishments Nepal can take pride in since multiparty democracy was restored 12 years ago is the development of information technology (IT).

Ten years ago, the country had just one institution - the Institute of Engineering (IOE) - that offered courses in computer engineering. Very few institutes were around to provide rudimentary computer literacy.

Career prospects in the IT sector were dim, and students set their priorities accordingly. The number of computer graduates could be counted on the hand.

But times have change - and fast. The IT sector has traveled a long distance in a very short span of time. Today, there are more than a dozen institutions that produce highly skilled computer professionals. Besides, myriad organizations are promoting various levels of computer literacy. Kathmandu University, Kantipur City College and the College of Software Engineering are just a few names from the pool of institutions producing IT professionals.

The strides Nepal has made in the sector were displayed at a recent exhibition organized by the Kantipur City College (KCC). Students presented some 66 projects, including software application, informative database programs, games, web-based information and technical application.

While some of the software on display were aimed at boosting efficiency in administrative works, others were highly sophisticated.

A remote-controlled car with a computer, featured by Rajan Shrestha and friends, integrated computer software with electronic and mechanical devices to facilitate driving.

"Computer is not just for typing and storing data, and surfing the web like everyone does. We can do a lot of other things with it," said Shrestha.

"With a computer, if I need to go to Banepa, I can program the computer showing the road, and I can sleep in the car having someone pressing the buttons to drive it."

Electronic devices like automatic light, light-sensitive lighting system and burglar's alarm were also exhibited. Among the database were program banking system, library management system, college support system, cafeteria management, personal budget and sales details.

A student said the software program would increase efficiency in record keeping and supervision. According to Kabindra Thapaliya, a student of the KCC, projects like Nagad Panch Lakh, mastermind game and haude-dot-com were there to provide entertainment.

Informative project and websites focused on Newari culture and nature and social issues were featured. The street children of Nepal, caste system in Nepal, info Nepal, Newars' medical plants and herbs were among the many informative demonstration displayed at the exhibition.

"The project exhibition was viewed by over 2,000 visitors," said Pralhad Karki, the administrative director of KCC. Students, professionals, corporate representatives, businessmen and households visited the exhibition. "I found some useful projects here, particularly in the banking sector," said Indra Khadka, a resident of Balkot, Bhaktapur district.

"I was very pleased to know that even young learners could do that much," said Ambica Shrestha, a student of Tribhuvan University. "The projects in the IT sector are a great achievement for Nepal."

The IT sector can play a big role in the development of national economy. It can provide employment to many young Nepalese. Software developed in Nepal can compete easily in foreign markets, as cost of production here is very low.

IT can provide employment to many people of all disciplines, including humanities and commerce. IT professionals also have high demand in the international job market, which can earn much-needed foreign currency.

The slow pace of execution of plans and policies are big hurdles for the IT sector. The IT Park proposed by the government three years ago is yet to make progress. The park is expected to employ about 50,000 professionals and to become the center of information to link the nation by global computer network.

Many government offices are still working with the age-old manual hurdle filling system. Inaugurating the function, Minister of State for Education and Sport N.P. Saud stressed the need for technology to preserve official documents for longer period of time.

"If Nepal cannot keep pace with international developments in the IT sector, it will lag behind," said Karki. Given the prospects and Nepal's potentials, the government should join hands with the private sector to develop the IT sector.