Kathmandu: The Ministry of Education and Sports engaged in consultations with key stakeholders, including Vice-Chancellors from federal universities, as part of the process for shaping the Some University Act Amendment Bill.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the discussion, held at the ministry in Singha Durbar, focused on gathering inputs and recommendations concerning necessary amendments to the university act. Topics included university autonomy, good governance, educational and administrative reforms, and updating legal provisions to meet contemporary needs.
Participants, including experts and stakeholders, emphasized the need for policy reforms aimed at enhancing the quality, research orientation, productivity, and practicality of higher education. They stressed that the new law should foster an environment conducive to enhancing university capacity, maintaining educational quality, and equipping students to thrive in a competitive market.
Dr. Sudan Jha, a member of the National Planning Commission, underscored the importance of universities focusing on improving educational quality and producing knowledge. He advocated for every university to progress by embracing the concept of research and knowledge production.
Chudamani Paudel, Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, highlighted the significance of discussions for educational reform in universities, building excellent institutions, and creating robust policies related to higher education. The ministry plans to introduce six bills related to the education sector in the current fiscal year, the secretary informed.
Shailendra Jha, chief advisor to the Education Minister, pointed out the need for policy arrangements to increase student attraction to universities. Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, emphasized the urgency of introducing relevant legislation to enhance the effectiveness and dynamism of university activities.
Vice Chancellors and representatives from various universities, including Kathmandu University, Rajarshi Janak University, Far-Western University, Mid-Western University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, Nepal Sanskrit University, and Lumbini Buddhist University, offered suggestions on higher education reform and considerations for inclusion in the act.
Additionally, registrars, deans, professors from various universities, senior officials from ministries, representatives from the National Planning Commission, policymakers, and other stakeholders participated in the discussion. The ministry organized the session to collect opinions and suggestions on necessary reforms in existing laws related to universities and higher education. The discussion addressed the current state of Nepal’s higher education sector, strategies for improving educational quality, expanding research, and making higher education more effective and competitive.