Government Announces Establishment of Girija Prasad Koirala University
In a recent development, the government has publicized its decision to establish a new university named after the late Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, during the centenary celebrations of Koirala, coupled with the 12th anniversary celebrations of GP Koirala Memorial College, made the announcement. The initiation process for the establishment of the university will be undertaken soon.
Details of the New University Project
Congress leader and MP Shekhar Koirala applied for the establishment of a university at the Prime Minister's Office in January of the previous year. Ongoing discussions aim to either convert GP Koirala College into a university or to establish a new university while incorporating the college into its system. The college management and GP Koirala Foundation are leaning towards the creation of a separate university.
Bhimsendas Pradhan, the college president, shared that the initiative to establish the university commenced during the tenure of the previous government. Under the leadership of eminent educationist Vidyanath Koirala, a preliminary draft of the university bill is ready. GP Koirala College, currently affiliated with Tribhuvan University, has functioned as a community model for the past 12 years.
Objectives of the University
The proposed university aims to implement an education system that harmoniously blends knowledge from the East and the West. The teaching will be done using closed, open, and semi-modes, integrating technological advancements. The university is eager to affiliate with other interested campuses, an approach that contrasts the non-affiliation modality followed by recent universities.
Land Allocation and Campus Integration
To accommodate the proposed Girija Prasad University, it's suggested that land can be acquired at 45 Ropani and Sindhupalchowk in Kathmandu Gokarna. A new university is proposed to alleviate the current predicament of approximately 500 community campuses of Trivia, suffering due to the scarcity of students.
University Management
The university will operate based on the Board of Trustee model, where the academic area chancellor will lead the university and the vice-chancellor will be responsible for the vice-chancellor's duties. The chairman of the trustees will lead the university for a maximum of two terms, and the existing system of having the Prime Minister as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Vice-Chancellor will be discontinued.
Investment and Collaboration Opportunities
The proposed university's establishment and operation are to be backed by investments from all three levels of the government and the community. The policy also allows investment from non-resident Nepalis and native foreign donors.
In addition, there's a proposal to conduct programs in collaboration with local and foreign educational, industrial, commercial, scientific, and technical institutions by setting specific criteria and approval. This offers opportunities for mutual growth and development, enhancing the overall quality of education. The university's objective is to foster an environment that bridges theory and practice, cultivating a rich educational experience for all students.
Published on 4th July 2023
Kathmandu