Mahabir Pun Critiques Political Interference and Neglect of Science and Technology Ministry

Kathmandu. Mahabir Pun, Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, stated that the innovation sector was made a victim of political power-sharing in the past, treating the ministry like an "orphan and abandoned" ministry. Responding to questions raised by parliamentarians in the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, he clarified that although many people recognize this ministry as new, it was actually established back in 2053 BS.

He said, "Many people think that Mahabir Pun came and created a new ministry. This is not a new ministry. It is a ministry formed in 1996, but at various times, it has been merged sometimes with one ministry and sometimes with another. In 2075 BS, it was merged with the Ministry of Education. In this way, it was made like an abandoned and orphan ministry." Minister Pun mentioned that the ministry has now been established as a reborn entity, terms it the "seventh rebirth" of the ministry.

He added, "This is the seventh rebirth of this ministry. It was politicized. The politics of power-sharing consumed this ministry. Therefore, it was a neglected ministry. The current government has brought it back as a new ministry." He also stated that he did not enter politics out of personal ambition, but due to his love and sense of responsibility toward the country.

He said, "I became a parliamentarian and minister because I fell in love with the country. Otherwise, I am not a person to become a parliamentarian or a minister. I had only come to the village from America for a visit. Initially, I fell in love with the village, then with the district, and ultimately with the entire country." Minister Pun also expressed his commitment to contributing to the country's prosperity through the development of science, technology, and innovation.