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

Abstract Digital governance has emerged as a central pillar of public sector transformation, particularly in developing regions where structural constraints limit effective service delivery. In Nepal, federal restructuring has increased the responsibility of provincial governments to adopt digital systems for efficient and inclusive governance. This study assesses the digital governance capabilities of Sudurpashchim Province using a socio-technical and institutional framework. The analysis is based on secondary data from government reports, ICT initiatives, and national-level policy discussions. The findings indicate that Sudurpashchim Province remains at an early stage of digital transformation, characterized by limited infrastructure, low digital literacy, and weak institutional coordination. Although initial digital initiatives are present, their impact remains constrained due to fragmentation and limited user adoption. The study argues that digital governance in Sudurpashchim is primarily a capability challenge rather than a technological one. It proposes a socio-technical model to explain how infrastructure, institutional capacity, human capacity, and digital services interact to shape governance outcomes. The study contributes by providing a province-specific analysis and offering policy-relevant insights for strengthening digital governance in resource-constrained environments. Keywords: Digital Governance, ICT4D, Public Service Delivery, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal