Assessing Digital Governance Capabilities in Karnali Province, Nepal: A Socio-Technical and Institutional Analysis

Abstract Digital governance has emerged as a critical driver of public sector transformation, particularly in developing regions where structural challenges limit effective service delivery. In Nepal, the federal governance system has increased the responsibility of provincial governments to adopt digital systems for administrative efficiency and inclusive governance. This study assesses the digital governance capabilities of Karnali Province using a socio-technical and institutional framework. The analysis is based on secondary data from policy reports, ICT initiatives, and expert discussions. The findings reveal that Karnali Province faces significant challenges related to digital infrastructure, human capacity, and institutional coordination. However, ongoing policy commitments and digital initiatives indicate a growing momentum toward digital transformation. The study argues that achieving effective digital governance in Karnali requires a capability-driven approach that integrates infrastructure development, institutional strengthening, and digital literacy. The research contributes by providing a province-specific analysis and proposing a framework for understanding digital governance in resource-constrained environments. Keywords: Digital Governance, ICT4D, Digital Divide, Public Service Delivery, Karnali Province, Nepal