NAST Approves Rs 40 Crore+ Budget, Honors 20 Scientists at 49th Academic Assembly
NAST Assembly Budget Approved
29th November 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) concluded its 49th Academic Assembly.
NAST Assembly Budget Approved
An event that approved a significant budget exceeding Rs 400 million and decided to honor 20 scientists and technologists.
This pivotal assembly, held under the chairpersonship of the Honorable Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Academy, Sushila Karki, sets a progressive path for science and technology promotion across Nepal.
Key Decisions: Budget and Recognition
The 49th Academic Assembly’s most crucial decisions revolved around financial planning and recognition of excellence. The Assembly has now endorsed a total annual program budget of Rs 40 crore 47 lakh 95 thousand for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/083 (2025/2026).
This substantial funding is a combination of allocations from the Government of Nepal and other domestic and international resources.
The approved budget is strategically categorized: Current Expenditure: Rs 34 crore 94 lakh, Capital Expenditure: Rs 2 crore 83 lakh and Foreign, Other Cooperation, and Internal Resources: Rs 2 crore 71 lakh 40 thousand.
Beyond the budget, a major highlight was the decision to award 20 scientists, technologists, and institutions. These awards will be presented in 13 different science and technology categories for the year 2082, formally recognizing exceptional contributions to the nation’s S&T landscape.
Review and Future Programs
The Assembly also saw the participation of the Honorable Minister for Education, Science and Technology and Co-Chancellor of the Academy, Mahabir Pun.
Attendees collectively reviewed and approved the progress of NAST’s programs from the current fiscal year 2081/082. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan of programs to be implemented in the next fiscal year 2082/083 was also ratified.
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The auditing report for the fiscal year 2081/082 was presented, and directions were issued for necessary improvements in the coming year, underscoring a commitment to financial discipline and operational efficiency.
Prime Minister Urges Self-Evaluation
Addressing the Assembly, Prime Minister Karki urged NAST to engage in a thorough self-evaluation. She asked the Academy to assess its overall contribution to the science and technology sector over its four-decade history since its establishment.
This call for introspection is a clear directive for NAST to enhance its impact and ensure its activities align with national development goals.
Fostering Innovation and Youth Research
The Vice-Chancellor of the Academy, Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, provided updates on the ongoing initiatives. He informed the Assembly that NAST is actively conducting its regular research projects.
Critically, the Academy is also running effective programs focused on youth. These include training to boost research capacity and orientations designed to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in science and technology among young people.
Role of Technology in National Development
NAST’s mandate to advance science and technology remains central to Nepal’s progress. The considerable budget allocation signals the government’s renewed commitment to fostering a research-intensive environment.
By honoring leading scientists and funding crucial programs, NAST is poised to become an even stronger engine for national development.
The focus on youth-centric programs is key to building a sustainable pipeline of talent and ideas, ensuring that the fruits of science and technology research actively contribute to solving national challenges and creating new economic opportunities through innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more: NAST Assembly Budget Approved
