Minister Mahavir Pun Clarifies the Expenditure of NPR 400 Crores

File Photo 22 Asar, Kathmandu. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Mahavir Pun has stated that his ministry has allocated the largest budget ever for the science and technology sector. Responding to questions during the ministerial discussion on the appropriation bill in the National Assembly on Monday, he said that such a substantial budget had never been allocated before for science and technology. Although up to NPR 100 million had been allocated previously, the lack of legal provisions prevented its expenditure.

Minister Pun acknowledged that while many have been curious about the allocation and utilization of the current NPR 400 crore budget, this amount is still quite modest for science and technology. However, at present, this sum is considered sufficient. He explained that since the programs to be funded have yet to be finalized, NPR 340 crore of the NPR 400 crore remains in an uncertain state. The ministry has earmarked NPR 60 crore for ongoing programs, while the remaining NPR 340 crore will only be spent after the expenditure plans and regulations are formulated.

The ministry is currently advancing the preparation of laws and regulations related to science, technology, and innovation. Minister Pun noted that only after establishing a legal framework will the budget currently held in uncertainty be implemented.

He commented, “The government has allocated NPR 400 crore to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, accounting for 1% of the capital expenditure. NPR 60 crore has been set aside for some ongoing programs, and the remaining NPR 340 crore is kept in uncertainty because, as of Jestha 15, there was no concrete plan on what or how to proceed.” He added, “Many might find it surprising how NPR 340 crore will be spent, as such a large amount has never been allocated before. In 2080 BS, NPR 100 million was allocated for science and technology but could not be spent due to the lack of legal provisions; the Ministry of Finance had distributed that amount to universities. Allocating NPR 400 crore now might seem unusual to many. Numerous questions have been raised about where and how the budget will be spent, but this NPR 400 crore will be utilized appropriately—it is not a trivial amount like a festival tika.” He also informed that the ministry will encourage youth to engage in science and innovation.