Kathmandu. The Office of the Auditor General of Nepal has expressed concern over the Nepal Insurance Authority ‘s inability to ensure its full control and ownership in the software for issuing crop and livestock insurance.
In its annual report, the Auditor General has written that the insurance authority does not own the source code and database as real-time based software has been operated to make crop and livestock insurance programs transparent, systematic, effective and scientific.
Similarly, the Auditor General has pointed out the weakness of the AUTHORITY, saying that the reliability of the system, acceptance from users and extensive testing work have not been completed due to excessive dependence on service providers for updating and maintenance of the software system due to lack of internal technical manpower and limited to software pilot testing.
As this portal system is not fully technical and user-friendly, farmers are finding it difficult to use the software due to lack of internet access and digital literacy in rural areas. Even for those accustomed to using the software, it is not relatively easy to fill out the entire form required for the insurance proposal as an insured farmer on the insurance portal.
The Auditor General has suggested to the AUTHORITY that the authority should update the details of the insurance and insurance claims issued in the previous years by implementing the provision of sourcecode of real-time software, full ownership of the database and modification as per the need.
The Auditor General has opined that for effective use of software and expansion of benefits, internet access and digital literacy should be increased in rural areas, management of adequate and skilled technical manpower and regular training and capacity development programs should be conducted.
