Kathmandu, December 2:

The 27th academic assembly of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) held today under the presidency of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, who is also NAST chancellor, announced to felicitate persons and organisations for their outstanding contribution in the field of science and technology.

The academic assembly also approved the total yearly budget of Rs 87 million and names of persons and organisations to be awarded during 26th anniversary of the NAST this year on December 5.

The NAST has decided to award Prof Karan Bahadur Shah of Nature Science Museum with Nature Conservation Award, Dr Basudev Pandey of Sukraraj Tropical Hospital and Rajeshwor Shrestha of Department of forestry with NAST Science and Technology Promotion Awards.

The NAST has also declared Youth Science and Technology Award for five persons. ‘The Academy of Science for the Development of World’ (TWAS) award would also be given to four people separately in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics categories.

Prime Minister Dahal stressed on the need to utilise the knowledge of science and technology

to upgrade people’s lifestyle and to foster economic progress.

The assembly held today amended a few regulations and decided to appoint auditors in the NAST to audit financial matters for this fiscal year.

Hom Nath Bhattarai, vice-chancellor of the Academy, said NAST was trying hard to strengthen and diversify the activities that it performed to serve the country in the field of science and technology.