LALITPUR: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Mahabir Pun has stressed that Nepal must directly link science and scientific research with the economy to achieve sustainable economic prosperity.
Speaking at the 43rd anniversary and special award ceremony organized by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) today, he said inadequate investment, weak integration with the economy, and other structural gaps have hindered Nepal’s progress in science and technology. He argued that economic weakness and social backwardness are a result of lagging behind in science and technology.
According to Minister Pun, slow progress in scientific thinking and technological development is the outcome of long-standing structural problems. “Nepalis continue to suffer because of economic hardship. Our failure to keep pace with the first, second, and third industrial revolutions stems from neglect of science and technology,” he said.
He stressed that academic and research institutions related to science and technology must remain free from political influence.
Minister Pun expressed confidence that NAST can deliver effective results even with limited resources. “We must apply science effectively and transform research into practical outcomes,” he said, adding that the government needs to prioritize planned development without being frugal in funding research and innovation.
He announced that if entrusted with responsibility, he plans to allocate at least Rs 3 billion to research and innovation. Expressing concern over the lack of tradition in Nepal to run innovation centers at an individual level, he praised NAST’s ongoing efforts.
At the event, NAST honored 13 scientists for their significant contributions in various research fields. Five senior scientists dedicated to lifelong scientific and technological research were also recognized with appreciation letters.
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