NAST employees on strike

Kathmandu, March 11

Regular work at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology remains halted for the last six days as its employees have been staging protest demanding improved working conditions.

The agitating employees, most of who are scientists and technicians, said they would continue their protest until the NAST management gave a written commitment to address their demands.

NAST is an autonomous body responsible for promoting science and technology. According to NAST officials, more than 60 per cent of around 125 employees at NAST are administrative support staff. The agitating employees have demanded that the current organisational structure of NAST be rectified. They have also demanded timely promotion, allowance for scientists working in hazardous conditions and proper laboratory to conduct research, among other things.

Suresh Dhungel, senior technical officer at NAST, said, “The management has failed to tap our potential and conduct research.”

NAST Vice-chancellor Jibraj Pokharel said, “The management has taken the agitating staffers’ demands seriously. We will work to address the genuine issues raised by them.”