KATHMANDU, Jan 8: It has been found that the government has delayed the operation of a university established by law. It seems that the government has not accepted the existence of other universities except Tribhuvan University (TU).

Recently, the Chinese government provided full scholarships to 23 Nepali students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in engineering and agriculture for the year 2024/25.

Its information has been published by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on its website. However, in the notification, it is mandatory to pass the entrance examination of the relevant subject of TU in order to be eligible to apply for the scholarships provided by the Chinese government for Nepali students.

It has become clear that students studying in other universities within the country are deprived of the opportunity to get foreign scholarships. According to educationist Bidya Nath Koirala, the system of not allowing students who have studied in other universities to participate in the scholarship program provided by the Chinese government in such a large number is unfair to the students of other universities within the country.

He said that it was ironic that the government itself could not recognize other universities established as per the law. According to the Ministry's decision on January 3, the interested students who want to study have been invited to apply for general and reserved seats.

In terms of eligibility, it has been arranged that students must have participated in and passed the entrance examination conducted by TU's Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Studies, Kirtipur for undergraduate and post-graduate levels. While Engineering Studies at Pulchowk for the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of engineering subjects.

It has been arranged that candidates who have not completed 25 years of age for the undergraduate level and who have not completed 35 years of age for the postgraduate level are eligible.

“After 2062/63 BS, the government established the University of Agriculture and Forestry.  It has been 25 years since Kathmandu University was established,” said Koirala, “Currently we have 13 universities.”

He said, “Even now, why does the government have to hold on to only the TU?” According to him, all eligible Nepali students should have the right to receive scholarships given to Nepali students by China or other foreign governments. It should not be limited to one university only. The dual behavior of not recognizing other universities established by the government itself and recognizing only the University should be stopped.

He is of the opinion that it is unfair to consider only TU as merit in scholarship received from abroad. “Due to this arrangement made by the government, it is now seen that students have to be admitted to TU on merit in order to get a scholarship,” said educationist Koirala, “Now the government should amend the law and regulations to include all students in an inclusive way. There should be an arrangement to conduct an aptitude test to include all students.”

Shree Prasad Bhattarai, Head of the Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Joint Secretary, said that although the Ministry has published information for scholarships of the Chinese government according to the Scholarship Rules 2060, voices are being raised mentioning that it is discriminatory.

He said that the Ministry also felt that other students were being unfairly treated by the provision of passing the entrance exam for the scholarship quota in the regulations. Bhattarai said, “The Ministry of Education is discussing the need to change the rules in a timely manner. According to him, the ministry is preparing to change the regulations for everyone's access to scholarships provided by foreigners.”

This time, the Chinese government has provided scholarships for each student in agriculture, animal science, civil aviation operation and engineering and genetic engineering for undergraduates. Also, one quota for civil, electrical, electronic and communication, mechanical, aerospace, agriculture and architecture engineering for postgraduates. Similarly, nine quotas have been provided for various agriculture engineering subjects.

 
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