Government Makes Digital Files Mandatory, Officials Facing Action For Delaying Decisions

KATHMANDU: The government has introduced a new regulation aimed at making public administration faster, more transparent and accountable by shifting official decision-making processes into a digital system.

The “Government Decision Process (Simplification and Digitalization) Regulation, 2083” has been approved by the Council of Ministers following a proposal from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

The new regulation replaces the previous Government Decision Process Simplification Directive, 2065, giving legal authority and stronger enforcement to digital administrative procedures.

Government Offices Must Use Digital File Systems

Under the new regulation, digital platforms will become the primary method for government decision-making.

Government offices will now process:

• File registration

• Official comments and recommendations

• Approvals

• Digital signatures

• Record keeping

• Monitoring and tracking

through an integrated electronic decision system.

Each file registered in the system will receive a unique identification number and QR code, allowing authorities and service users to track file movement and progress.

Automatic Tracking To Reduce Delays

The new system will automatically calculate the time taken for each file after registration.

If officials fail to take required action within the assigned timeframe, the file will automatically move to the next decision-making level within 24 hours.

The government expects this system to reduce unnecessary delays and improve accountability in public offices.

Fewer Approval Layers For Faster Decisions

The regulation has also reduced the number of levels required for official comments and approvals.

According to the new system:

• Important policy and administrative decisions made at ministerial level will require a maximum of three levels.

• General administrative matters will require a maximum of two levels.

The government said reducing unnecessary layers will help speed up decision-making.

AI Allowed As Support Tool In Government Work

The regulation has also included provisions for using artificial intelligence (AI) as a supporting tool in government processes.

AI can be used for:

• Searching legal provisions and previous decisions.

• Risk analysis.

• Preparing initial drafts of official comments.

However, final decisions will continue to be made by responsible government authorities.

Citizens Can Track Their Applications Online

The new system will also allow citizens to monitor the progress of their applications.

Service users will be able to check file status through:

• Online platforms

• Mobile applications

• SMS services

using their tracking number.

The regulation also introduces a one-stop service approach to make government services easier to access.

Delaying Officials Could Face Departmental Action

The government has introduced a “Decision Delay Index” to measure delays in administrative processes.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers will monitor performance through an integrated dashboard.

Officials who intentionally delay decisions or fail to complete their responsibilities may face:

• Departmental action.

• Reduction in performance evaluation scores.

The government said the move aims to create a more responsible and efficient public administration system.

Moving Toward A Paperless Government

The regulation recognizes digitally prepared files as official government records.

By making electronic systems mandatory, the government aims to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and create a faster service delivery system across public offices.