Kathmandu, June 18: Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has said that greater investment in the innovation sector is essential to strengthen Nepal’s economy and create employment opportunities.
Responding to lawmakers during discussions on the budget allocation for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation under the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Minister Pun urged all three tiers of government to allocate at least one percent of their capital budgets to the development of science, technology and innovation.
He said innovation means providing individuals with creative ideas the necessary resources, infrastructure and enabling environment to transform those ideas into practical outcomes.
Stressing the need for coordinated efforts, Pun said the federal, provincial and local governments, along with other stakeholders, must work together to promote innovation. “Appropriate laws, regulations and institutional mechanisms should be put in place to effectively advance science and innovation activities,” he said.
The minister informed Parliament that the government is preparing nine regulations related to innovation under the provisions of the Science and Technology Statistics Act and the Nepal Government Work Division Regulations, 2083.
He added that the ministry plans to introduce several key legislations, including the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2083, the Science Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the National Research and Development Act, along with other necessary legal frameworks.
According to Pun, strengthening infrastructure and establishing a robust legal framework are crucial to making the ministry’s programmes more effective.
Highlighting the importance of innovation for a developing country like Nepal, the minister said increased investment in science and technology would generate employment opportunities for young people, reduce brain drain and contribute to sustainable economic growth. #nepal
