NAST Research Affected by Budget Shortages and Policy Barriers, Equipment Operations Also Difficult

The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), established as an autonomous institution for research, innovation, and technology development, is facing serious difficulties due to continued government neglect, inadequate funding, and weak policies.

Budget Shortages and Poor Conditions at Provincial Offices

Although the government has allocated approximately Rs. 4 billion for the overall science and technology sector, NAST's annual budget remains limited to Rs. 350 million to Rs. 400 million. The academy has repeatedly requested a budget of at least Rs. 1 billion, but the Ministry of Finance has continued to reduce its allocation.

NAST must also cover pensions for retired employees from its allocated budget. After deducting administrative expenses, barely Rs. 100 million, approximately 20 percent according to the source, remains available for research and technology development.

Of this amount, Rs. 50 million to Rs. 60 million is distributed to young scientists outside the academy, startups, and award recipients. Even with these allocations, the academy has been unable to support 50 percent of the applications received.

Due to insufficient funding, NAST's provincial offices, established in all seven provinces, have largely been limited to paying building rent rather than carrying out substantial activities.

Expensive Research Equipment Lacks Operating Funds

Young scientists returning to Nepal after receiving training in advanced technologies abroad face a shortage of suitable laboratories and operating budgets.

Although NAST possesses sophisticated equipment worth millions of rupees, the government does not provide adequate funding for the reagents, chemicals, and regular maintenance required to operate these instruments.

Researchers are expected to operate equipment worth millions of rupees, collect samples, and carry out maintenance with research budgets of only Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 500,000. Consequently, the equipment cannot be used to its full capacity.

Advanced instruments, including X-ray diffraction equipment worth millions of rupees installed at Tribhuvan University and various research centers, are also affected by a shortage of skilled personnel.

According to laboratory scientist Pramod Subedi, limited opportunities for equipment operation and professional training have made research work difficult.

"If I am not here, these samples pile up. More samples keep coming in and accumulating. Even if I get an opportunity to attend a 15-day training program, there is no provision here to send me to India. It becomes difficult without motivation," he said.

Despite these challenges, scientists continue conducting research in geology, nanotechnology and materials science using limited resources and facilities.

Administrative Interference and Loss of Skilled Scientists

NAST currently has 231 approved staff positions, but only approximately 130 to 135 employees are working at the institution.

Of the existing workforce, 60 percent are administrative employees, while only 40 percent are scientists. Stakeholders argue that this staffing distribution reflects the government's misplaced priorities.

Following the promulgation of the Constitution, requirements for recruiting scientists through Public Service Commission examinations or obtaining ministerial approval have made it difficult to attract highly qualified scientists with international experience.

NAST officials say that placing scientists under administrative structures and protocols similar to those governing civil servants has weakened the independent working conditions required for scientific research.

A lack of adequate equipment, employment benefits, and professional motivation has also contributed to an increasing tendency among scientists to pass Public Service Commission examinations and move into federal administrative positions.

These difficulties have raised concerns about the loss of skilled professionals in Nepal.

Dissatisfaction Over Proposed New Legislation

Despite NAST having its own Academic Assembly and experts, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has prepared a draft of new legislation without adequate cooperation or consultation with the academy, according to stakeholders.

Stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's proposal to introduce a new bill that would change NAST's name and establish an "Innovation Fund," arguing that the changes could create additional administrative complications.

NAST officials maintain that the academy is not merely a research institution but also serves as a facilitator for universities and independent researchers.

They argue that the institution should be strengthened to fulfill both its research and facilitation responsibilities effectively.

DNA Testing of Bhotekoshi Flood Victims Accelerated

Meanwhile, NAST has accelerated DNA profiling to identify the bodies and human remains, including bones and teeth, of people who died in the Bhotekoshi floods.

According to NAST, a total of 933 samples have been received from various agencies and laboratories.

Testing has been successfully completed for most of these samples, with only 88 samples remaining to be processed.