September 14:  The Ministry of Industry’s project to aggregate industrial data electronically is yet to  be implemented.

The GIZ-funded project aims to use a software called Industrial Profile  to aggregate industrial data from all over the country. Once implemented, the software will provide key data on industries on a regular basis.

The project will be implemented after a new office dedicated to it is brought into operation, said Ministry of Industry’s Joint Secretary Yamkumari Khatiwada. She said this was the reason the implementation of the project was delayed.

As part of the project, data is being collected in five districts; it was supposed to be implemented in six districts: Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Pyuthan, Surkhet and Dang. The government has said it gives priority to the project as lack of reliable data has made it difficult to formulate plans and collect taxes.

According to officials, the software can be used to aggregate data on employment and capital, among others.