KATHMANDU: Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) endorsed programmes for the coming fiscal.

The 10-point proposal of the programmes was presented by Prof Dr Hom Nath Bhattarai, vice-chancellor, NAST, for approval in the ongoing Academic Assembly.

Addressing the assembly, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, in his capacity as the NAST Chancellor, today said that the scientists should work so as to make the public life easier and comfortable.

“We’ve limited resources and unlimited problems. But we shouldn’t get discouraged as every problem comes with its solution. The scientific community should work with enthusiasm for the betterment of people,” the PM said.

Prof Dr Bishwo Nath Prasad Agrawal, NAST academician and CA member, blamed the government for underestimating the importance of science and the role of scientists for the development of the country. “It’s really depressing fact as the country is found underestimating the science,” he said. He also expressed his dissatisfaction on the way NAST had been working bypassing the academicians.

Member of the assembly and businessman Pradip Kumar Shrestha announced that the Panchakanya Business Group would provide Rs 300,000 as the innovation research grant to NAST.

Kush Kumar Joshi, President of FNCCI, said, “The research on science and technology should be practical and can be implemented for the income generation. If NAST is willing to work on such issues, the business community is always ready to invest”.

“We have been working on limited resources and infrastructure. It’s essential to know that work on science and technology is not like a 10 to 5 office job,” said Prof Dr Hom Nath Bhattarai.

Sophisticated scientific laboratory, science learning center, wind energy feasibility study and more supportive programmes to lessen the brain drain by providing opportunity to the graduates and post-graduates in the country are some of the important programmes endorsed by the NAST.