Mahabir Pun's unconventional push to build Nepal’s newest ministry from the ground up

Nepal's newly established Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is in the early stages of setting up its institutional structure and legal framework. While ministry officials focus on administrative and financial systems, Minister Mahabir Pun is capturing public attention with his unconventional methods.

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Our priority is to complete the Organisation and Management survey and get it approved by the Cabinet. Once the new fiscal year begins, it will become easier to move ahead with the next phase.

Pun, a social entrepreneur, aims to translate scientific research into societal benefits and market-ready products. However, his personal work style has become a focal point. He is living in his office at Singha Durbar, working late hours, and sharing his daily life, including cooking, on social media. He defended his lifestyle, noting his ability to earn from online posts.

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I earn enough money to buy rice for three or four days by just posting this

The minister's unconventional approach extended to the search for a new ministry secretary. Instead of following the standard administrative process of Cabinet appointments, Pun posted a public call on Facebook seeking an "experienced, hardworking and capable secretary." This move surprised many within Nepal's bureaucracy, where such positions are typically filled through government decisions. The post generated both criticism and amusement, prompting Pun to clarify his intention was to gauge interest among serving secretaries, while acknowledging the final appointment would follow official procedures.

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We need an experienced, hardworking and capable secretary. Is anyone interested in joining the ministry?