KATHMANDU, Nepal–The government failed to give top priority to science and technology though the world has already transformed into a global village following the speedy progress of technology.
Though five months have passed since the Prime Minister Sushil Koirala assumed his office, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, instituted in 1996 A.D. for the development of Science and Technology in the country, the government is yet to assign Departmental Minister which has adversely affected decision formation process and other activities. Though Premier had vowed to appoint the Minister, his America trip for the treatment of the cancer further delayed the process.
Despite the fact that the government boasted of giving top priorities to the development of Science and Technology, it has been hardly mentioned in its programme and policy for the fiscal year 2014/2015, which was announced a week ago.
The government has neither introduced the plans and programme that will enhance the roles of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) further; nor has it mentioned it’s any contribution in the policy and the programme.
Experts stressed the need that science and technology must be given prioritized like other development construction projects. They have also highlighted the need to pile pressures for its reform on the part of stakeholders. They are still hopeful that new budget would allocate sufficient budget in this field.
The current government has adopted a handful of programs in the policies and programs including the smokeless bright house, revision to Environment Conservation Act, regulations and programs to minimize the climate change effect.
Likewise, new programmes like reinforcing the weather forecasting and flood forecasting systems are some of the plans the government is learnt to introduce through new budget.