Kathmandu- The government has established a new Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation with a focus on advancing the science, technology, and innovation sector. The ministry was formally created through the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Rules, 2083 BS, following a Cabinet decision on Baisakh 30.

The move to establish a separate ministry for science and technology is being viewed as part of the country’s long-term development strategy. Currently, Prime Minister Balen Shah is heading the newly formed ministry.

The ministry has been granted authority to formulate policies, laws, and standards related to science, technology, and innovation. It will also be responsible for research and studies in space science and astronomy.

According to the government, the ministry has been created to institutionalize research, innovation, invention, and the overall development of science and technology. It will also handle data collection, processing, surveys, and standard-setting in the sector.

Similarly, responsibilities related to nuclear technology and the regulation of radioactive materials, as well as the promotion, control, and management of biological and atomic technologies, have been assigned to the ministry. Its scope also includes ozone layer studies, solar radiation measurement, calibration of scientific instruments, and regulation of chemical substances.

The government has also prioritized the management of nuclear energy and atomic materials. The ministry will be responsible for locating, recovering, and managing orphan radioactive sources, as well as formulating and implementing policies, laws, and standards related to nuclear energy.

Institutions such as the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, National Forensic Science Laboratory, planetariums, observatories, and science museums will now operate under the ministry.

Innovation, technological development, and industrial modernization have been set as key priorities. The ministry will oversee the development and improvement of products, services, processes, technologies, and designs, as well as the study and implementation of modern industrial concepts such as Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

It will also coordinate and collaborate with national and international organizations related to science and technology.

Given that Nepal’s science and research sector has long faced challenges such as budget constraints, policy ambiguity, and brain drain, the establishment of this new ministry is expected to bring positive reforms in the sector.