KATHMANDU: Lawmaker and founder of the National Innovation Center Mahabir Pun has welcomed the government’s decision to establish a separate Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Pun, who represents Myagdi in the House of Representatives, had long been advocating for a dedicated ministry focused on science, technology, research, and innovation. He had repeatedly raised the issue during recent parliamentary meetings.
Expressing happiness over the government’s decision, the former education minister thanked the government for fulfilling a demand he said he had been raising for a long time.
Sharing his reaction on social media, Pun wrote: “Many thanks to the Government of Nepal and best wishes for its long life.”
Three weeks ago, Pun had formally submitted a written request to the Prime Minister urging the creation of a separate ministry for science, technology, research, and innovation.
In the letter submitted on April 21, he argued that successive rulers, governments, and political leaders since the era of Prithvi Narayan Shah had failed to prioritize science, technology, and research, contributing to Nepal’s economic underdevelopment.
Pun stated that due to weak investment in science and innovation, Nepal has been unable to produce even basic consumer goods domestically, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports and worsening the trade deficit.
He also noted that Nepal has been losing talented, creative, and innovative youths abroad, resulting in a lack of domestic entrepreneurship and limited job creation opportunities.
Drawing from his 33 years of social service experience in Nepal, Pun said he had realized the urgent need for a strong and dedicated ministry to lead scientific and technological advancement in the country.
Following the government’s decision, Pun has now called on scientists and researchers to engage in discussions on how to make the newly formed ministry more result-oriented and effective.
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