Open Letter From a Disability Activist to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel

Honorable Minister Jagadish Kharel,

First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The people have recognized your contribution and initiatives in the fields of journalism and information technology, the fourth pillar of the nation. Under your leadership, there is a growing expectation that a new standard for digital accessibility and inclusion will be established.

In today’s world, advanced technology and information systems have connected everyone from remote villages to major cities. Most public information, services, and materials are now available in digital form. However, these materials remain difficult to access for many citizens, especially persons with disabilities.

The widespread use of the Preeti font instead of Unicode in government digital materials has created serious accessibility challenges. Similarly, when information is presented only in photo or graphic formats, it becomes inaccessible to people with visual impairments.

From my experience as a person with a disability, I can say this: government information is essential for daily life. Only when it is made accessible can persons with disabilities live independently and manage their day-to-day activities smoothly. Unfortunately, the current digital environment has deepened our daily struggles instead of easing them.

Integrated Website Management System and Accessibility Challenges

Previously, when government websites were developed separately, some were partially accessible, while others were completely inaccessible. To address this, the Department of Information Technology introduced an Integrated Website Management System to centralize all government websites.

The intention was to make it easier for government agencies to create and manage websites through existing staff, eliminating the need for separate website development. However, if accessibility is ignored in this system, especially while using modern technologies or programming languages such as JavaScript, all government websites could become barriers to access for persons with disabilities.

Therefore, the serious attention of the Honorable Minister is required to ensure uniformity and accessibility across all government websites through the following improvements:

1. All government websites must comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

2. All digital content must be published in Nepali Unicode font (doc, txt, HTML) format.

3. Captions, sign language, and transcripts must be provided for all audio and video content.

4. File names for downloadable documents must be clear and descriptive.

5. Websites must be operable through the keyboard.

6. Adequate color contrast must be maintained on all websites and mobile applications for people with low vision.

7. Heading levels on websites and documents must be logical and meaningful.

8. Training on digital accessibility should be provided to ICT officers and staff.

9. Decisions of the Council of Ministers and other important government programs broadcast on Nepal Television must include sign language interpretation.

We also urge that all government secretaries be required to use Unicode and that the Council of Ministers make this a moral and legal mandate. Only then will government information become inclusive and accessible to all citizens.

Accessible content benefits everyone. If this initiative is implemented effectively, we—digital accessibility activists, stand ready to support the government, free of charge.

Why Accessible Digital Infrastructure Matters

When digital platforms are accessible, citizens in rural areas can access government services and information from their homes without barriers. Persons with disabilities can equally participate in information access and public services.

Accessible data also allows the private sector and startups to create new opportunities, promoting transparency and good governance.

Finally, Honorable Minister, under your leadership, this initiative can set a milestone for inclusion in Nepal’s digital transformation. We sincerely hope that access to information will become simple, fair, and inclusive for all.

(Lamichhane has also submitted these demands in the form of a memorandum to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel on behalf of persons with disabilities.)

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: कात्तिक २०, २०८२ १८:१

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