Kathmandu, June 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today underscored the critical need for a fundamental overhaul of Nepal's education system, advocating for it to become modern, technology-equipped, life-oriented, and employment-focused. Speaking at the 99th meeting of the Kathmandu University Assembly at his Baluwatar residence, Prime Minister Oli, who also serves as the university's Chancellor, stressed the importance of fostering job creation and producing a workforce capable of self-employment. He lauded Kathmandu University's ongoing efforts in this direction as a positive development.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about student access to health, education, and other disciplines, suggesting a re-evaluation of the 75% scholarship currently limited to medical education.
Raghuji Pant, Minister of Education, Science, and Technology and Co-Chancellor of Kathmandu University, pledged the ministry's commitment to implementing Prime Minister Oli's vision for educational reform and transformation, with the ultimate goal of establishing Nepal as an educational hub.
Professor Dr. Achyut Prasad Wagle, the university's Vice-Chancellor, affirmed that Kathmandu University would operate under a policy aimed at translating the concept of a research-oriented university into practical reality.
Convocation Grace List Approved, New Budget Passed
The meeting approved the grace list of 1,129 students set to receive degrees at various levels during the second phase of the 30th convocation ceremony, scheduled for June 13 in Dhulikhel. The list includes 118 international students.
The assembly also greenlit an estimated budget of NPR 4.038 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, presented by Registrar Professor Dr. Rajeev Shrestha. Additionally, the audited report from the last fiscal year and the progress report for the current fiscal year were passed.
The meeting also saw the nomination of several new members to the university assembly. These include Ratna Koirala (donor), Professor Dr. Dibya Singh (former Dean of the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuvan University), Dr. Rita Thapa (community health specialist), Professor Dr. Dhruba Kumar Gautam (Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University), Ananta Prasad Adhikari (psychiatrist) as distinguished scholars, and Dr. Bikash Adhikari from among the university teachers.
New Framework for University-Hospital Collaboration
A new framework for the future collaboration between Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital was also approved. This framework, outlined in a report by a facilitation committee headed by National Planning Commission member Gita Kumari Paudyal Adhikari, addresses mutual issues between the two institutions. Notably, the new framework stipulates that if either institution desires to discontinue the collaboration, it must provide six years' prior notice.
University's Journey Documented in New Book
Following the Senate meeting, Prime Minister Oli officially launched 'Kathmandu University: The First 25 Years,' a two-volume book penned by the university's founding Registrar, Dr. Sitaram Adhikari. Prime Minister Oli remarked that such a publication, authored by those instrumental in establishing the university from humble beginnings, would prove invaluable in understanding its history.
