Experts Recommend Increasing Education Budget to Enhance Contribution to Academic Research

At the second international conference, experts emphasized the need for universities to expand their budgets for academic research. Dr. Dilliraj Sharma of Tribhuvan University highlighted the importance of promoting research through collaboration with the private sector. Participating economists at the conference stressed prioritizing academic research in Nepal and providing intellectual support to the government in policy formulation. Kathmandu, 1 Jestha.
Experts underscored that universities must be allocated adequate education budgets to significantly contribute to academic research. The second international conference, held at Mega College in Kumari Pati, Lalitpur, called for increased government investment to ensure quality higher education. Economists from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and other countries participated in the program.
Former Dean of the Faculty of Management at Tribhuvan University, Professor Dr. Dilliraj Sharma, emphasized fostering academic research through partnerships with the private sector. Dr. Sharma expressed concern that while theoretical education receives investment in Nepal, research and innovation are not prioritized. He stated, ‘To achieve sustainable development goals, efficient management capacity is essential. Global perspectives must be extended locally. For this, the government must prioritize academic research.’
He added that only by increasing the education sector’s budget can the country produce a workforce capable of competing in the global market. Dr. Harendra Kumar Singh, Head of the Faculty of Management at Banaras Hindu University in India, pointed out that management is the most crucial tool for effective governance. Citing examples from the global economy, Dr. Singh argued that investments made by powerful nations in research yield positive economic results.
He also noted that educational collaboration between Nepal and India remains insufficient and stressed the need to strengthen educational ties, akin to the strong political and cultural relations between the two countries. Dr. Anjay Kumar Mishra, Dean of the Faculty of Management at Madhes University, stated that Nepalese economists can overcome the challenges faced in the research sector alongside technological advancements. Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary General of the Federal Parliament, described economists as a supportive force for any nation.
He claimed that the international conference held in Nepal will assist in the development of national laws and policies. Dr. Ghanshyam Prasad Sah, Principal of Mega College, Kumari Pati, mentioned that the papers presented, research findings, and discussions at the second international conference would significantly contribute to national policy-making. Dr. Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary, President of Nepal Commerce Association, affirmed that Nepali academic researchers’ studies on the global economy and contemporary issues meet international standards. Chaudhary stated that the conference’s conclusions would intellectually assist the government in policy formulation. The conference, continuing until Saturday, is attended by professors of management faculties from most Nepali universities, researchers, and students from business, commerce, technology, and law disciplines.