SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY IN NEPAL Dilli Raj Joshi Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

Nepal at a Glance Landlocked country, situated between China to the north and India to the east, west and south. Total area 147,181 sq. km Altitudes ranging from less than 100 meters in the south to the highest peak of the world 8848 meters Mount Everest in the north. Total population - 24.2 million.

Nepal …… Predominantly agricultural country, about 80 percent populations involved in agriculture. Per capita income – US$ 322. Developing economy - transferring from rural to urban and traditional to modern market oriented. 30.85% of the population living below the poverty line. Literacy rate - 54.1 percent.

Science and Technology Systems Traditional Technologies Crafting: religious artifacts, images and statues of bronze, copper or gold found in the temples. Architecture and civil engineering: often blended with art and culture mostly temples, pagodas and stupas. Textile manufacture using spinning and weaving devices such as handlooms. Traditional method of paper manufacture. Food technology: brewing beers, wine and hard liquor, preserving meats, fruits and vegetables. Modern science and technology institutions began after 1951. Until then relied almost entirely upon its indigenous technology for development.

National Science and Technology Council Chaired by the Minister of Science and Technology and comprises representatives from different relevant organizations and private sectors. Functions To review and revise the policy. To review the progress. To find out measures for resolving the problems. To coordinate and monitor all the actions done in this field.

Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology Established on May 15, 1996 and renamed Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MOEST). Objectives: Promote environmentally sustainable economic development of the country Preserve natural and cultural environment and protect life supporting system (i.e. air, water and soil) Identify a new technology and contribute to achieving the national objectives regarding poverty alleviation by developing appropriate and new technology through the research. Develop and promote traditional and indigenous technologies.

MOEST….. Functions: Formulation and implementation of policies, plans and programs. Liaison and coordination with national and international organizations. Pollution control, environmental conservation and balance. Exploration and research in the field of science and technology Promotion of alternative energy Study, research and forecasting on hydrology and meteorology Development and expansion of information technology

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Established on December 1982 by a Royal Charter, the Parliament in 1992 promulgated the Act and earlier know as Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Objectives: Advancement of science and technology for all round development of the nation. Preservation and further modernisation of indigenous technologies. Promotion of research in science and technology. Identification and facilitation of appropriate technology transfer.

NAST….. Functions: Undertake and promote studies and research in priority areas, Advise the government on formulation of technology transfer policy and its implementation, Implement S&T programs in collaboration with national and international organizations, Organize seminars and conferences on S&T topics and help facilitate S&T publications, establish and strengthen linkages with regional and international institutions in order to promote mutual cooperation, Give recognition to outstanding individual and institutional contribution for development, promotion and application of S&T, Increase public awareness of the importance and usefulness of S&T as well as to create conditions conducive of S&T application, Set up exhibit centers for S&T related inventions and innovative models.

NAST….. Activities of the Academy: Biotechnology Natural products Environment Alternate energy High altitude science and technology Science and technology policy. S&T Promotional activities: Science popularization programmes Science Exhibition: Conducted in remote areas Radio Programs: Weekly programme on Radio Nepal Televisions Programs: Weekly programme Quiz Contests: on-the spot quiz contest for high school students Meet your scientist interaction program School science programmes Publication of science magazines and journals Research grants and scholarships Awards Travel grants and regular support to professional societies. S&T publication

Science and Technology Policy Vision To build developed, dynamic and prosperous state by raising the living standards through the appropriate development and use of science and technology. Objectives Enhance national capacity through the appropriate development and use of knowledge , skill and efficiency in the field of science and technology. Assist in the poverty reduction activities by utilizing natural means and resources through the use of science and technology. To elevate the country to a competitive position through the optimum development of science and technology.

S&T Policy….. Policies To use science and technology as a powerful means to increase production and productivity of the country. To create an environment for the maximum utilization of knowledge and skill of science and technology available in regional and international arena by promoting mutual cooperation with the bilateral, multilateral, regional and international organizations. To promote participation of private sector in the development of science and technology. To develop and mobilize skilled human resources . To extend the development of technology to the rural levels. To create a conducive environment to maintain high morale of the scientist and technologists and minimize the brain drain.

Policy Intervention : A Success Story Alternative Energy Promotion Center/MOEST Established in 1996 with objectives of promotion of renewable/alternative energy technologies to raise the living standard of the rural people, to protect the environment. Policy To intensify the development and utilization of the renewable energy technology based on local resources.” (Science and Technology Policy 2005). To develop and extension of alternative energy technology to ensure the supply of energy of the rural mass and support the rural economy (tenth plan 2002-2007).

A Success Story….. Main Programs Development and Promotion of biogas technology Generation of electricity by Micro-Hydro Power plants (less than 500kw) Promotion of Solar Energy technologies (particularly Solar PV Home System)

A Success Story….. Area 4 and 6 m3 8 and 10 m3 Subsidy policy adoption of the subsidy policy to make easy access of the rural people to the alternative energy technologies Subsidy for biogas plant per plant is given as: Area 4 and 6 m3 8 and 10 m3 Terai districts Rs 5500 Rs 5000 Hill districts Rs 8500 Rs 8000 Remote districts Rs 11500 Rs 11000

A Success Story….. Benefits from the biogas plants Saving of fuel wood used for cooking (@2tons/plant) Saving use of kerosene(25 liters/plant/year) Reduction of GHG emissions(7tons CO2/plant) Proper use of bio-slurry and bio-compost Improvement of rural sanitations by connecting toilets in plants Reduction of indoor air pollution due to kitchen smoke

No. of households benefiting A Success Story….. Major Achievements S.N. Programmes Unit Quantity No. of Districts No. of households benefiting Remarks 1 Biogas Plant Installations No. 135,000 67 Cooking foods and lighting bulbs 2 Micro-hydro Power Plants KW 5072 41 50,000 Generating electricity 3 Solar home systems 79,527 73 Generating electricity for various domestic use

ISSUES Poor public understanding of Science and Technology. Lack of coordination and cooperation between science and technology organisations Less priority for R&D and state funding in S&T very low. Lack of integrated long term master plan for the development of science and technology Gaps between policies and practices and between planning and performances Technology development and transfer not institutionalised. Lack of economic development: No funding in R&D from the industrial and private sectors. Lack of minimum research facilities: Brain drain.

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