Kathmandu, August 27:

The 25th academic assembly of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST),

under the presidency of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, yesterday sanctioned a budget of Rs 66.7 million for NAST for this fiscal year.

The meeting also made some amendments on the regulations for employees’ management and the management of the renewable energy test centre.

Addressing the assembly, Koirala said national development is impossible without proper investment in science and technology and researches and stressed the need for increasing investment in the sector.

He also underscored the need to incorporate youths in any programme on science and technology, “because youths are the pioneer for the nation’s development.” Koirala also directed NAST officials to come up with new programmes that focus on commoners as well.

NAST co-chancellor and Minister for Environment Science and Technology, Mahanta Thakur, said people have started expecting the NAST to lead the development of science and technology in the country.

NAST is giving continuity to researches and promotional activities and they will be strengthened and diversified, said NAST vice-chancellor Prof Dr Hom Nath Bhattarai.