NAST’s 49th Academic Assembly concludes

Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressing the assembly

The 49th Academic Assembly of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology has been held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Academy, Sushila Karki. Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Pro-Chancellor of the Institute, Mahabir Pun, was also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister urged NAST to self-evaluate its contribution to the field of science and technology, even after four decades of its establishment.

The Vice Chancellor of the Academy, Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, highlighted the main objective of the Academic Assembly project, which included training and innovation to enhance research capacity among the youth in addition to regular research. He informed that programs such as orientation are being effectively conducted to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship.

The assembly has reviewed and approved the progress of the institute’s programs for the fiscal year 2081-082. Similarly, the assembly has also approved the programs to be run at the institute in the fiscal year 2082-083. The assembly has also allocated Rs 349.4 million for current expenditure, Rs 28.3 million for capital expenditure, and Rs 4.64 million from foreign and other assistance in the budget received from the Government of Nepal. It has also approved an annual program budget of Rs. 404.795 crore, including Rs. 22.495 crore from internal sources.

The Secretary of the academy, Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, presented the agendas to the Academic Assembly for approval. At the end of the event, the vote of thanks was delivered by the NAST academician Prof. Dr. Bijaya Panta.

The 49th Academic Assembly has decided to award 20 scientists, technicians, and institutions in 13 categories of science and technology to be presented by the academy in 2082 BS.

Accordingly, Dr. Basanta Panta of Annapurna Neurological Institute of Allied Sciences, Science and Technology will be awarded with the National Innovation Award along with a purse of Rs. 2 lakh. Likewise, Pragya Award with a purse of Rs. 2 lakh will be awarded to Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma of Kathmandu University. Science Award worth Rs. 1 lakh will be awarded to Dr. Ramesh Raj Panta of Tribhuvan University Central Department of Environment. Similarly, Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha of Kathmandu University with Technology Award along with Rs 100,000.

The Science and Technology Youth Award worth Rs 75,000 will be given to five people, namely Dr. Sushma Pandey of Annapurna Research Center, Dr. Muktiram Poudel of Paklihawa Agricultural Campus, Dr. SagarAryal of Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences Dr. Niraj Dahal of Kathmandu University School of Education and Mr. Bipindra Pandey of Madan Bhandari Institute of Health Sciences.

Similarly, it has been decided to award the Women’s Science and Technology Award worth Rs 75,000 to Dr. Soni Baral of the Institute of Forestry Studies, Tribhuvan University.

It has been decided to award the Pragya Pratishthan Science and Technology Promotion Award worth Rs 50,000 to two people, Nepal Mathematical Society and Herbal Production and Processing Company Limited, respectively.

Also decided to award the Science and Technology Journalism Award worth Rs 50,000 to Kamala Tamang (Pakhin) of Kantipur Media Group.

Moreover, it is decided to award the Dayanand Bajracharya Research Award of Rs 25,000 each to two persons- Suja Maharjan of the Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, and Hari Achhami of St. Xavier’s College.

Similarly, it is decided to award the Kazi Indra Katuwal Agriculture Award worth Rs 1 lakh to Dr. Madan Raj Bhatta of Baitadi (former senior scientist at NARC).

Likewise, Mohan Dhwaj Basnet Pragya Award worth Rs 25,000 to be awarded to Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal (SEMAN). Similarly, it is decided to award the Bhubaneswar Technology Award worth Rs 25,000 to Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality.

It has been decided to award the Hama Balkrishna Shrestha Engineering Award worth Rs 100,000 to two people, Dr. Chhabi Mishra of Hulas Steel Industries and Mr. Bishnu Prasad Devkota of Nepal Electricity Authority.