Last Updated on by ICT BYTE
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the Union of Information, Communication and Technologies, Nepal (UNICTS Nepal) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation, ensure industrial harmony, and promote decent work standards in Nepal’s rapidly expanding ICT sector.
The MoU was signed during a high-level event titled “Shaping Nepal’s Digital Future: AI Policy & Industry Growth,” which focused on ethical AI adoption, sustainable industry growth, and the protection of ICT workers’ rights. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to balancing technological innovation with fair labor practices.
Strengthening Labor Rights and Compliance
Under the agreement, NCC and UNICTS Nepal will jointly work to raise awareness and improve compliance with existing labor laws. This includes ensuring fair wages, regulated working hours, leave entitlements, and occupational safety and health (OSH) standards for ICT professionals. The collaboration aims to create transparent and lawful workplace practices across the sector.
Promoting Social Security Coverage
A major pillar of the MoU is the promotion of ICT workers’ registration in Nepal’s Social Security Fund (SSF), as mandated by the Social Security Act 2017. Both organizations will carry out joint initiatives to encourage employers and workers to participate in the scheme, helping extend long-term social protection to professionals in the digital economy.
Skill Development for a Digital Economy
To keep Nepal’s ICT workforce competitive in the global market, the MoU emphasizes joint training, upskilling, and reskilling programs. These initiatives will focus on emerging technologies, digital transformation, and future-ready skills, ensuring that workers can adapt to rapid technological changes, including artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools.
Institutionalized Social Dialogue
The agreement also establishes regular social dialogue mechanisms between employers and workers. Through structured consultations, the two organizations aim to prevent and resolve labor disputes, thereby maintaining industrial peace and fostering a cooperative working environment within the ICT industry.
Governance and Dispute Resolution Mechanism
To manage workplace relations effectively, a Labour Dispute and Labour Relation Committee will be formed under the MoU. This bipartite committee, with equal representation from employers and employees, will operate in accordance with the Labour Act 2074 (2017) and serve as a formal mechanism for addressing labor-related issues.
Official Signatories and Validity
The MoU was signed by Bigyan Shrestha, Chairperson of the IT, Software and Technology Committee and Executive Member of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Khushal Regmi, General Secretary of UNICTS Nepal.
The agreement is valid for two years and is governed by the Labour Act 2074 and other relevant laws of Nepal. Under the partnership, UNICTS Nepal will represent the interests of ICT professionals, while the NCC will facilitate employer engagement in dialogue, policy coordination, and capacity-building initiatives.
This MoU marks a significant step toward building a fair, inclusive, and future-ready ICT ecosystem in Nepal, aligning industry growth with workers’ rights and social protection.
