Kathmandu, March 16:

King Gyanendra today handed over the Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST) awards to scientists and an organisation at a function held here today.

Addressing the function, vice-chairman of the council of ministers Dr Tulsi Giri, said scientific achievements should benefit villagers.

Calling on the RONAST to address the necessity of the people, strengthen infrastructure and make full use of them, he spoke of the need to promote science education in the society.

Nepal has lagged behind in the sector of science and technology due to lack of policies, sufficient investment, foresightedness and priority, RONAST vice-chancellor Prof Dr Dayananda Bajracharya said.

“It will be very difficult for us to keep pace with the competitive world if we do not focus on the development of the science and technology sector.”

Citing a recent study conducted by the RONAST, Dr Bajracharya said the number of high-level human resources in the sector in the nation had reached 28,000. “Using their expertise for the economic and social development of the nation is an uphill task.” He also said the aim of the science and technology in Nepal should be the concern of commoners, which includes health, drinking water, energy, agricultural products, industrialisation and conservation and use of natural resources.

During the function, Bagmara Community Forest Management Committee of Bagmara Chitwan received the first Shree Panch Gyanendra Conservation Award. The award includes a purse of one lakh rupees from the king.

Dr Man Bahadur KC, consultant cardiologist of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, meteorologist Archana Shrestha of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, computer engineer Dr Subarna Shakya, pharmacist Dr Saffar Mansur and soil scientist Dr Junukamal Tuladhar received the Crown Prince Youth Science and Technology Prize.

While Bhattedanda Conservation Ropeway and senior journalist Bhairam Risal received the Royal Academy Science and Technology Promotion Award, physicist Dr Binil Aryal, mathematician Dr Mahendra Prasad Panthee, Chemist Dr Akkal Deo Mishra and bird ecologist Dr Hem Sagar Baral received the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World award.