The Unresolved Fee Hike Dispute at the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University

The Institute of Engineering (IOE) under Tribhuvan University is currently embroiled in a significant dispute over a fee increase. The situation has escalated to the point where the annual examination, initially scheduled for September 3, 2023, has been postponed by five days (September 8, 2023). This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the ongoing crisis, its implications, and the perspectives of various stakeholders.

The Genesis of the Crisis

• Financial Strain: The institute has been operating under a debt of 9 crores, leading to a precarious financial situation.

• Fee Increase: To mitigate the financial crisis, the institute increased the semester examination fees by 176.78%, sparking student protests.

• Student Protests: Students have resorted to hunger strikes and lockouts to voice their dissent against the fee hike.

• Exam Postponement: Due to the protests, the institute agreed to postpone the annual exams to September 8, 2023.

The Stakeholders Speak

Assistant Dean Prof. Dr. Suraj Lamichhane

• Financial Collapse: According to Assistant Dean Lamichhane, the institute is on the brink of financial collapse.

• Government's Role: Despite the institute being partially government-owned, there has been negligible investment in technical education.

• Unsustainable Fees: The Assistant Dean emphasized that the old fee structure, in place since 1996, is unsustainable in the current scenario.

Prof. Dr. Durga Prasad Sangraula, Former Principal

• Institute's Future: Sangraula warns that postponing exams due to student protests could be "fatal" for the institute.

• Lack of Government Support: He also pointed out that the government has not increased any investment towards technical education in 27 years.

Free Student Union President Biraj Aryal

• Student Movement: Aryal states that protests will continue until the fee hike is revoked.

• Call to Government: He urges the government to increase the budget for the institute to resolve the crisis.

The Larger Picture

• Vacant Teaching Posts: 40% of teaching positions in Constituent College are vacant, adding to the institute's woes.

• Increased Student Intake: While the institute taught 140 engineers 27 years ago, it now educates 2040 engineers annually, without corresponding increases in resources.

• Risk of Closure: If the situation persists, the institute may have to shut down, affecting the future of thousands of students.

Conclusion

The fee hike dispute at the Institute of Engineering (IOE) is a complex issue involving multiple stakeholders. While the institute is grappling with financial difficulties, students are protesting for what they see as their right to affordable education. The government's lack of investment in technical education further complicates the matter. As the crisis unfolds, it's clear that a multi-pronged approach is needed to find a sustainable solution.