History of Computer in Nepal

History of Computer in Nepal

We saw the history of computers and some major innovation and pioneers in the world context. Let’s look at the history of Computers in Nepal now.

Nepal was using a calculating device called Facit to prepare census report 2018 BS (1961). Though the total population at that time was only 96 lakhs, Census Bureau could not give the exact figure of population in different districts. Due to the delay, the five year planning had to be stopped. So, for better and quicker data processing, IBM 1401 was brought on rent (Rs. 1 lakh 25 thousand per month) for the census of 2028 B.S (1971). The census processing was completed in 1 year 7 months and 15 days for 1 crore 12.5 lakhs population.

IBM 1401 in National Computer Center, Nepal

IBM 1401 however was not sent back to the owner after completing census processing but the government purchased it for further data processing in the Bureau of Statistics.

National Computer Center (NCC) was established in 2031 (1974) with the purpose of giving computer related service to government bodies, developing computer manpower and enhancing computer consciousness. Later on, NCC used ICL-2950/10 a second generation Mainframe computer, a DG Mini-computer, a Prime Mini-computer.

With the help of ICL 2950/10, the census of 2038 BS (1981) was completed in 1 year 3 months. ICL 2950/10 was more effective and was used for data processing in some other corporations such as Telecommunication, Electricity Authority, Janakpur Cigarette factory, Hetauda Cement Factory, Tribhuvan University, etc.

National Computer Center, Kathmandu

In 2039 B.S., the microcomputers, such as Apple, Vector or Sirus were imported on personal level. New companies such as Computer Consultancy(CC), Management Information Processing System(MIPS) and Data System International (DSI) were established. Now, there are many companies which deal with computer training, servicing, maintenance, upgrading, etc.

In 1994, Mercantile Office Systems and Royal Nepal   Academy of Science and Technology contracted an Internet feed from a site in India. Since the transmission was over cable, the quality of the line was very poor and the connection was not reliable. This effort was commercialized although there were significant losses. Mercantile introduced the Internet and email in 1995 for the first time in Nepal. Government of Nepal introduced the first IT Policy in 2000 with the vision of positioning Nepal on the global IT map within the next five years. The policy has the broad objective of enhancing employment opportunities and creating a knowledge-based society and knowledge-based industries by ensuring that a large section of society has access to information technology. The policy has adopted a 15-point strategic framework that includes human resource development, promotion of foreign and local investments, legal recognition.