Minister Mahabir Pun
26th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a move that bypasses political formalities and signals a radical shift in approach, the newly appointed Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Mahabir Pun, has made a direct appeal to the citizens.
Minister Mahabir Pun
Instead of accepting ceremonial visits or congratulatory phone calls, the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee has urged the public to send Practical Ideas for reform in Education Innovation and Science and Technology directly via WhatsApp.
This unprecedented request underscores his determination to focus immediately on tangible results within his five-month tenure.
He humorously suggested that the public should avoid calling him ‘minister’ and instead refer to him as the “junk scientist minister,” clearly emphasizing his commitment to functional, hands-on work over bureaucratic titles.
A Focus on Implementable Solutions
Dr. Pun’s mandate is clear: he wants solutions that can be implemented swiftly and effectively. His call for ideas that can be executed within a five-month timeframe is a direct challenge to the slow-moving pace often associated with government ministries.
He is looking for concrete, implementable proposals that leverage Science and Technology to address deep-rooted issues in Nepal’s educational system.
This is consistent with his lifelong work through the National Innovation Centre, where he has consistently championed grassroots innovation and real-world application.
This unique approach to beginning his term demonstrates his priority is not in receiving accolades but in utilizing the public’s collective knowledge and expertise.
By opening this direct channel of communication, he aims to tap into the wellspring of innovative thinking across the nation, especially among the youth and industry experts.
The use of a platform like WhatsApp over formal communication channels further highlights his desire for efficiency and speed.
Education Innovation at the Forefront
Nepal’s public education system faces numerous challenges, including issues with curriculum relevance, teacher quality, and a general loss of appeal compared to private schooling.
Dr. Pun, who has previously criticized universities for becoming “factories of unemployment,” now holds the crucial opportunity to drive meaningful change.
His request for Education Innovation ideas is a strategic effort to find practical ways to integrate technology, promote skill-based learning, and reform educational policies to better prepare students for the modern economy.
He is expected to tackle complex issues, including the demands of stakeholders regarding the School Education Bill and the urgent need to regularize the Teacher Service Commission’s permanent recruitment process.
Educationists believe that even in his limited term, Dr. Pun can initiate significant policy decisions with long-term impact, focusing on policy reform over daily administrative tasks.
His hands-on background provides him with a unique perspective to bring about necessary structural changes.
Driving Science and Technology Forward
For the Science and Technology sector, Dr. Pun’s appointment is seen as a major win. His consistent advocacy for allocating at least one percent of the national budget to research and innovation—a demand he once staged a sit-in for—is now a policy he can pursue from within the government.
His time at the National Innovation Centre has shown his dedication to fostering research and enterprise, and he is now in a position to institutionalize support for young innovators.
His emphasis on Practical Ideas extends to scientific research, calling for proposals that can lead to commercialization and economic development.
The goal is to retain talented human capital and reduce the country’s reliance on imports by nurturing local invention and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pun’s personal sacrifice, including selling his autobiography and even some of his awards to fund the National Innovation Centre, shows the depth of his commitment to this cause.
His tenure is viewed as a critical opportunity to push for institutional and financial support for Nepal’s scientific and technological future.
For more: Minister Mahabir Pun