Kathmandu / Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that the government shall motivate the youths and scientists to carry out intensive research in science and technology. 

Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, today, he shared that the government has set up a special fund for the development of science and technology. He expressed the belief that this fund will provide important support to promote research and innovation.

"The government has included in its annual programme for the current fiscal year the plan to set up a fund of one billion rupees for the development of science and technology," said PM Dahal, also the NAST Chancellor, adding that the talented youths will get the opportunity to carry out research remaining within the country from this fund. 

The PM stated that he has the chance to observe from close the contribution made by NAST scientists in the field of science and technology, and the capacity development of this sector has speeded up in the country.

"The government has not been able to provide resources as per your expectations. The government also has its limitations. Myself being a science student, I am aware of the factors why we have not been able to make a leap in the development of science and technology," he said.

The Prime Minister and NAST Chancellor urged NAST to prepare the outline of the strategic plan by holding intensive discussions on the strategy to be adopted in the upcoming 16th Five-year Plan regarding the science and technology development. 

"Intensive discussions should be held and thinking done as to what programmes need to be incorporated in the 16th Plan so that it would be possible to be established in this sector. It would be appropriate to formulate the future plan in this way," PM Dahal said and urged for preparing the outline of the strategic plan, internalizing the country's need and priorities, and continually coming in contact of the government. 

On the occasion, PM and NAST Chancellor Dahal inaugurated NAST Technology Block and the biomedical research laboratory. 
NAST scientists and technologists were also awarded.