KATHMANDU: The government has formally defined the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the newly established Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, assigning it a broad mandate covering scientific research, technological development, innovation and nuclear regulation.
The ministry was officially created under the Government of Nepal (Division of Work) Regulations, 2083 BS, approved by the Council of Ministers on May 13 and later published in the Nepal Gazette.
The formation of a separate ministry dedicated to science and technology is being viewed as part of the government’s long-term strategy to modernize Nepal in line with global scientific and technological advancements.
Prime Minister Balen Shah is currently overseeing the newly formed ministry.
According to the regulations, the ministry has been entrusted with drafting policies, laws and standards related to science, technology and innovation. It will also oversee scientific research, space science and astronomy-related studies.
The government said the ministry was established to institutionalize research, innovation, discovery and technological advancement across the country.
Under its mandate, the ministry will collect, process and standardize science and technology-related data and manage systems linked to the quality and use of nuclear technology and radioactive materials.
The ministry has also been given responsibility for the use, promotion, regulation and control of biological and nuclear technologies.
Its jurisdiction further includes ozone layer studies, solar radiation measurement and information management, calibration and verification of scientific instruments, and regulation of chemical substances.
The government has also prioritized nuclear energy management under the ministry’s framework. The ministry will be responsible for policies, laws, implementation and regulation related to nuclear energy, including the management of nuclear materials and radioactive waste.
Institutions including the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Nepal Forensic Science Laboratory, Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum will also fall under the ministry’s supervision.
The ministry has additionally been tasked with promoting innovation, industrial modernization and technological transformation. It will study and promote advanced industrial concepts such as Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 in manufacturing and business sectors.
Similarly, the ministry has been authorized to draft and sign treaties and agreements and coordinate with national and international organizations related to science and technology.
The government expects the new ministry to help address long-standing challenges in Nepal’s science and research sector, including limited budgets, policy uncertainty and the migration of skilled human resources abroad.
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