KATHMANDU: Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has held its 49th senate under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Chancellor Sushila Karki on Friday.

The Senate also attended by Pro-Chancellor of NAST and Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mahabir Pun, endorsed the progress review of the programme for the fiscal year, 2081/82. It also approved the programmes to run for the fiscal year, 2082/83.

Total budget of Rs 404 million was passed by the Senate. The budget includes foreign and domestic aids and internal resources.

The NAST has decided to confer awards on 20 scientists, technologists and institutions in the current fiscal year.

On the occasion, PM Karki urged NAST, running for four decades, to conduct self-evaluation in light of its role in country’s science and technology field and take future actions accordingly.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Silip Subba informed that NAST was conducting orientation and capacity building programmes to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among youths in addition to regular research initiatives.