BIPS report initiated by the Ministry of Information & Communications represents a Bhutanese approach to the challenges of ICT, drawing on global experience. The White paper approved by the government in 2003 became ‘the basis for an inclusive and consultative process for formulating a new strategic framework for ICT in Bhutan’.
BIPS comprises of five strategic components (Policy, Infrastructure, Human capacity, content & applications and Enterprise) identified in the white paper.
POLICY:
Strategy P1. By 2010, use ICTs to make governance more inclusive, efficient, accountable and transparent
Strategy P2. By 2008, implement a flexible, ‘light-touch’ and modern regulatory environment
Strategy P3. By 2008, strengthen ICT regulatory and
enforcement capacity
Strategy P4. By 2005, investigate ways to fund and reduce the cost of ICT services
Strategy P5. By 2015, make ICT services accessible and affordable throughout Bhutan
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Strategy IN1. By 2008, establish a competitive, level-playing and reliable ICT infrastructure market
Strategy IN2. By 2015, ensure affordable, fast, secure, and sustainable ICT infrastructure throughout Bhutan
HUMAN CAPACITY:
Strategy HC1. By 2013, all ICT positions will be filled by well-qualified national staff
Strategy HC2. By 2010, establish one ICT Center of Excellence in Bhutan
Strategy HC3. By 2009, expand ICT institutes to other regions
Strategy HC4. By 2013, all students with basic education would have acquired basic IT and computer skills
Strategy HC5. By 2010, majority of Bhutanese will be aware of the benefits of ICT
CONTENT AND APPLICATIONS:
Strategy CA1. By 2009, Bhutan will have the enabling framework to promote e-business
Strategy CA2. By 2010, use ICTs to preserve and promote culture and heritage, and create appropriate local content
Strategy CA3. By 2010, harness ICTs to enhance the quality and accessibility of education
Strategy CA4. By 2010, harness ICTs to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services
Strategy CA5. By 2010, citizens will have real-time access to Bhutanese media
Strategy CA6. By 2009, develop local content and applications to support good governance
Strategy CA7. By 2008, develop a communication plan for the national disaster management system
Strategy CA8. By 2010, develop a national e-waste
management system for sustainable environment
ENTERPRISE:
Strategy E1. By 2008, increase competency of the local ICT industry
Strategy E2. By 2008, ensure outsourcing of all appropriate government works
Strategy E3. By 2008, improve access to financial mechanisms for ICT businesses
Strategy E4. By 2009, export ICT services
Strategy E5. By 2008, promote the appropriate use and application of ICT in non-ICT businesses
WSIS action lines related to this activity: Theme 1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
Theme 2. Information and communication infrastructure
Theme 3. Access to information and knowledge
Theme 4. Capacity building
Theme 5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
Theme 6. Enabling environment
Theme 7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life
[E-government]
[E-business]
[E-learning]
[E-health]
[E-environment]
Theme 8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
Theme 9. Media
Related MDGs: MDG 1. Eradicate poverty and hunger
MDG 8. Develop a global partnership for development
Activity type:
Project, Programme, Guidelines
Time scale:
Ongoing
Partners:
All government agencies, autonomous bodies and private sector
Additional Information on National Implementation Mechanism
Strategy for coordinating WSIS Implementation at the national level: Yes
National e-strategy: Yes
Additional Information: Bhutan ICT Policy and Strategies (BIPS)
