HISTORY OF COMPUTER IN NEPAL

It took nearly 6 years and 6 months to prpare census report fo Buerau of Statistics for the census conducted in 2018 B.S. by using a calculating device called Facit. Total population at that time was only 96 lakhs. Due to the delay in census calculation, the five year planning was stopped and it could not give the exact figure of population in different districts. For better and quicker dta processing , Government brought IBM 1401on rent(Rs 1lakh 25 thousand per month) for the census of 2028B.S. The machine took 1 year 7 months and 15 days for the processing of 1 core 12.5 lakhs population . TH is machine, however, was not sent back to the owner and government purchased it for further data processing in the Bureau of Statics . For the proper use of the computer and continuous processing, it was essential to operate the computer for days and nights. For same reason, a separate branch was established in2031B.S., which was latr named as National computer Centre. National Computer Center was using Second Generation computer Like IBM 1401. In 2038 B.S., a better Fourth Generation computer was imported with the aid of UNDP and UNFA from England in 20 lakhs American dollars. Its name was ICL 2950/10. With the help of ICL2950/10, The census of 2038 was completetd in 1 year 3 months . This computer had 64 terminals. THis computer lis in the musem of NCC(National computer center), Singh Durbar, since it is out dated. For proper handling and operation of this computer, the British Government trained the manpower of National Computer center and awarded the degree like graduate, post graduate or diploma.

In the meantime, students went to India Thailand and USA for computer studies on their own. In 20369 B.S. the micro computers such as Apple, vector or sirus were imported on pesonnel level. New companies such as Computer Consultanc(c), Management Information processing system(MIPS) and Data System International (DSI) were established. Now, There are many companies which deal with computer traing, servicing , maintainance, upgrading, etc.. Students of every field are intersted in computer. One of the main reason is the prospect of getting a better job. Government employed IBM 1401 in agricultural data processing, industarial data processing , inventory of agricultural bank, provident fund and SLC result processing. As the machine became incapalble of handaling data, in due course of time, ICL 2950/10 was brought in use which was more efficient and was ued for data processing in some other corporation such as tele comunication , Electricity Authority, Janakpur cigratte Factory , Heatuda Cement Factory, Tribhuwan University, etc.
In Kathmandu and Patan only , t is estimated that 90% of the computer are centeralised. Besides, in Bhairawa, POkhara , japha nad almost in all part of countery Computers are used for traning purpose and in offices, schools coleges and also in supermarkets. At the same time, Compute science as a subject has been taught at schools , colleges and univesity level in Nepal.