KATHMANDU: Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said that new laws, policies, and institutional frameworks will be introduced to advance the science and innovation sector.

Responding to queries during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Minister Pun stated that the government plans to introduce key legislation including the Nuclear Energy Act, Biosafety and Biotechnology Act, and Science, Technology and Innovation Act.

He said necessary infrastructure development and legal reforms will be implemented to make the ministry’s work more effective, with enforcement expected from the next fiscal year. He added that coordination with local and provincial governments is essential, urging them to allocate adequate resources to promote science, technology, and innovation as a contributor to the national economy.

Minister Pun informed that out of the allocated budget of Rs 4 billion, Rs 35 million remains unprogrammed due to a lack of concrete plans and programs. He also noted that past research initiatives were often left on paper without implementation, adding that research-based institutions will now be prioritized to ensure practical outcomes.