Kathmandu, July 2 - Along with the restructuring of ministries, the government has established a separate Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, launching a new initiative to institutionalize science, technology, research, and innovation. With the establishment of this ministry, it is expected that effective measures will be taken to address long-standing issues in the science and research sector, including policy ambiguity, limited budget allocation, and the migration of skilled human resources.
As part of the government's 100-point governance reform agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the federal ministries were restructured following the decision to reduce the number of ministries. In the same process, a separate Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was established.
The ministry is headed by scientist, campaigner, and independent Member of Parliament Mahabir Pun. After assuming office, he expressed his commitment to starting the ministry's work from the ground up and making science, research, and innovation the foundation of national development. He also stated that continuous efforts would be made to foster a culture of research and innovation at the federal, provincial, and local levels.
Minister Pun informed that the process has been initiated to introduce a Science, Technology and Innovation Bill, complete the ministry's Organization and Management (O&M) Survey, and integrate and make more effective the research and innovation-related activities currently scattered across different ministries. He also publicly urged provincial and local governments to allocate at least one percent of their total capital expenditure to science and innovation.
The newly established ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of formulating policies, laws, and standards related to science, technology, and innovation, as well as overseeing scientific research, studies in space science and astronomy, and the collection, processing, survey, and standardization of science and technology-related data.
Similarly, the ministry's scope of work includes the management of nuclear technology and radioactive materials, the use, promotion, control, and regulation of biological and nuclear technologies, ozone layer studies, solar radiation measurement, calibration and certification of scientific instruments, chemical substance management, and the formulation and regulation of policies related to nuclear energy.
The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the National Forensic Science Academy, the Planetarium, the Observatory, and the Science Museum have been placed under the ministry. In addition, the ministry will be responsible for technology development, industrial modernization, the promotion of innovation, and coordination with national and international scientific institutions.
According to the Ministry's Secretary, Pramila Devi Shakya Bajracharya, work has already begun on the organizational survey, website development, management of the required human resources, and the implementation of the government's policies, programs, and budget. She stated that although some time will be required to complete the initial administrative and managerial arrangements because the ministry is newly established, priority will gradually be given to sectoral development.
Through the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the government has allocated NPR 4 billion for science, technology, and innovation, and NPR 500 million for the establishment of the Nepal Enterprise Facility. Through this platform, the government aims to connect startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the national enterprise ecosystem, expand access to innovative financial instruments, and develop a support system that includes incubation services.
In addition, the budget states that startup support will be provided to 1,000 young entrepreneurs interested in agricultural and livestock-based enterprises, and funds have been allocated to implement research, innovation, and entrepreneurship promotion programs to create research opportunities for young scientists within the country.
According to Minister Pun, the process of drafting the laws required for the operation of the ministry has already begun. The target is to prepare draft legislation within the next five months, including the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, the Innovation and Startup Promotion Act, the Advanced Industrial Technology Promotion Act, the Chemical Substances Management Act, and amendments to the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Act, 2048 (1991). Meanwhile, the National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081 (2024/25) is currently under consideration by a parliamentary committee.
Dr. Ram Chandra Poudel, spokesperson and senior scientist at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), described the establishment of a separate ministry as a positive step. He expressed the view that the science and technology sector could make a more effective contribution if autonomous and academic institutions such as NAST were involved from the policy and planning stages.
The Constitution of Nepal and the National Science and Innovation Policy, 2076 (2019) envision science, technology, research, and innovation as the foundation for sustainable development, increased productivity, and the building of a prosperous Nepal. According to the government, the ministry has been established to ensure the effective implementation of that policy.
Nepal currently has an estimated more than 120 institutions related to science and technology and around 90,000 skilled human resources. Every year, thousands of young people complete studies in science, engineering, information technology, and other technical disciplines and establish themselves as skilled professionals both within Nepal and abroad. However, there has long been a lack of an effective mechanism to connect their knowledge and skills with national development.
The government has expressed confidence that, through the new ministry, it will create an environment that increases investment in research, develops innovation centers, encourages young scientists and entrepreneurs, protects scientific talent, and transforms "brain drain" into "brain gain."
