KATHMANDU: Mahabir Pun, a member of the House of Representatives and founder of the National Innovation Center, has said he is selling books to raise funds to run his projects.
Pun said he has been selling books both as a lawmaker and even before becoming one due to financial constraints in sustaining innovation initiatives.
According to him, three major projects currently require financial resources: the National Innovation Center, the Pokhara ICT Innovation Lab, and the Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory.
Pun said a total of 83 young people are directly working in these projects. Among them, 38 are working at the National Innovation Center and the Pokhara ICT Innovation Lab, while 45 are employed at the Birgunj factory. In addition, around 10 to 15 people are involved as interns.
He stated that around Rs 2.5 million is spent monthly on salaries for full-time staff and daily meals for nearly 90 people involved in the projects.
Pun added that a significant amount is also required to purchase machinery and raw materials needed for research and innovation activities.
“Funds donated by the general public alone are not enough, so I have been compelled to sell books,” Pun said.
He also compared his situation to the Hindi saying “Marta kya nahi karta,” adding that those who only talk without taking action should take up similar initiatives themselves.
Comment