Kathmandu, Dec. 7: Prime Minister and Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed his belief that there will be an increase in opportunities for talented young individuals to conduct research within the country.
Addressing the 41st anniversary and award distribution programme of Nepal Science and Technology Academy, he remarked this.“The government of Nepal has already incorporated an annual programme in the current financial year to establish a fund of Rs.1 billion for the development of science and technology,” he said.
Following certain procedural adjustments, the fund will facilitate an increase in opportunities for talented young individuals to conduct research within the country, he added. Recognising the contributions of NAST’s scientists in the field of science and technology, Prime Minister Prachanda highlighted that Nepal’s capacity for science and technology development has seen significant acceleration.
He also admitted that the government of Nepal had not been able to allocate the expected resources as anticipated by the scientists. Prime Minister Prachanda expressed the belief that the recently inaugurated NAST’s technology building and biomedical research laboratory would create an environment suitable for conducting research trials at an international level.
“People have high expectations from the NAST. Hence, I believe it will be beneficial for the NAST to receive feedback on the quality of the programmes conducted here,” he said. The Prime Minister further said it was appropriate to determine the future course after thorough discussions and brainstorming sessions regarding which programmes should be incorporated in science and technology within the upcoming 16th five-year plan. Considering the country’s needs and priorities, he urged the NAST to collaborate closely with the concerned government agencies to draft strategic plans.
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