UGC Research Director laments lack of funds for research

University Grants Commission Research Director Prof Dr Lal Prasad Amgain has rued lack of sufficient funds for academic research work.

Stating that developed countries spend up to 10 percent of their total annual budget for research, he said in Nepal only 1.5 percent of the budget is allocated for research.

Talking to RSS, he said that there is also lack of coordination among the various agencies involved in research-related activities in the country. "Increasing the budget for research and carrying out in coordination with all agencies concerned could help prevent young people from leaving the country for greener pastures abroad," Amgain said.

The UGC provides grants to universities and health science institutes under various titles. This year Rs 3.2 million has been allocated for research and Rs 2.2 million for scholarships. The universities and professors are involved in research while students get scholarships to move ahead with their studies.

The UGC has been providing grants to 12 Universities and seven health science institutes in the country.