Education, Science, and Technology Minister Ashok Kumar Rai recently announced during a meeting with Bhaktapur Municipality officials the government's commitment to advancing higher education. The focus is on bringing the long-awaited Khwopa University Bill to Parliament. This endeavor signifies a crucial stride towards improving educational infrastructure, with Bhaktapur Municipality actively supporting the initiative.
During the meeting on January 4, 2024, Sunil Prajapati, the head of Bhaktapur Municipality, formally requested Minister Rai endorse the 'Khwopa University Bill, 2080.' Prajapati's proposal emphasizes the community's desire to elevate existing educational institutions in Bhaktapur to the status of a full-fledged public university.
The meeting shed light on the evolution of Khwopa's educational ecosystem, starting with the establishment of Khwopa Secondary School in 2056 BS. Subsequent additions included Khwopa Engineering College and Khwopa College in 2058 BS, followed by Khwopa Polytechnic Institute in 2060 BS, Khwopa College of Engineering in 2065 BS, and Khwopa College of Law in 2079 BS. These institutions collectively serve over seven thousand students from various parts of Nepal, underscoring the potential impact of the proposed university on the nation's academic landscape.
Approval of the Khwopa University Bill is anticipated to benefit the local and national student body substantially. By transitioning into a public university, Khwopa aims to become a more accessible center for quality higher education, contributing to the intellectual and professional growth of students from diverse backgrounds.
Mayor Prajapati's collaboration with the Ministry of Education has led to the formation of a dedicated committee for Khwopa University. During his discussions with Minister Rai, the Mayor emphasized the urgency of legislative action, encouraging the ministry to prioritize the bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
The proposed Khwopa University signifies significant progress in Nepal's educational sector. With the government prioritizing the bill, there is optimism that the city of Bhaktapur and the nation will soon witness the transformation of Khwopa from a cluster of educational institutes into a prestigious public university. Minister Rai's assurance indicates that the journey towards this transformation is imminent, fostering hope for a future enriched with learning opportunities.
