Development of Science and Technology in Nepal

Nepal has been a late starter in modem science and technology. In pursuance of self- reliance, it developed technological capabilities in some specific areas such as agriculture, civil engineering, architecture, metallurgy, water management, medicine, textile and paper manufacture, dyeing and food technology. Its isolation for over a century, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution in the West and colonial incursion in India, deprived the country from the advances in S&T elsewhere. After the advent of democracy in 1950, the country embarked on the path of modernisation. An initiation in S& T activities took place, along with the inception of a development plan, in 1956. The S& T sector received its due impor tance in development plan in the Sixth Plan (1980-85). Nepal's new constitution, promul gated in 1990, has emphasised the importance of S&T explicitly by including a Directive Principle to promote its advancement. Major S&T organisations, including a science academy, the Ministry for Science and Technology, and several research centres and insti tutions for higher education in science have evolved during last five decades. However, with the low ratio of S&T manpower (0.4 per 1, 000 population) and low R&D expenditure (0.35 per cent of GNP), Nepal faces formidable challenges seeking political commitments with long-term vision and recognition of S&T as the strategic variable for overall national development.