Increase investment in research centre: Bhandari

 Kathmandu, July 16

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the country should increase investment in research centres under the universities for the production of knowledge required for the development of the nation.

Addressing a programme organised by the Centre of Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) on Tuesday on the occasion of its 53^rd anniversary, Bhandari said, I am saddened to know that these 'think tank' organisations have been reduced to a limited role. The state should increase investment in these institutions established to produce evidence-based knowledge on matters necessary for the nation and use it in policymaking.

The CNAS is a research think tank under the Tribhuvan University.

Bhandari expressed her sorrow that the research centres like CNAS, Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA) and Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST) established under the TU were unable to play effective roles due to lack of sufficient resources.

Stating that the policies adopted by the state must be based on research, facts and evidence, Bhandari said that the government should invest in research in domestic and international affairs. She also said that such research would have long-term importance for the country.

"Research done with the investment of foreign donor agencies may not be independent and impartial," Bhandari said, "Therefore, the state should invest in studying and researching sensitive issues for the country such as defence and foreign affairs."

Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral, Vice-Chancellor of the TU, said that research centres should be able to do research themselves. Stating that the university has supported the research centre in the past, he said that now the research centre should be able to financially support the university.

Executive Director of the CNAS, Dr. Mrigendra Karki said that CNAS could bring a lot of support from donor agencies to carry out research, but it was a problem as they had to advance the agenda of the donor agencies while bringing such support.

“If the university gives CNAS the right to conduct PhD studies, it will attract foreign students and they can run the institution from their fees,” Dr. Karki said.

On the occasion, former President Bhandari unveiled a book titled 'Sambodhan', an anthology of the speeches made by her at various national and international platforms. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 July 2024.