KATHMANDU, JULY 7

The National Assembly today endorsed a proposal tabled to seek consideration of Madan Bhandari Science and Technology University Bill, 2019.

The proposal was presented before the meeting by Minister of Education, Science and Technology Devendra Paudel.

In his response to questions raised during the deliberations, he said the government was trying to break the culture of conventional education system by opening the university. The objective of opening the university is to provide a research platform for capable human resources and youth scientists to further hone their skills and efficiency, according to him. 'We hope the university will attract graduates from the science and technology stream.

He also shared about the government's plan of opening the university for a specific stream as well.'

He said each province government has the right to open a university at the province level. He also insisted the need to make combined efforts to improve the university and the entire education system.

Taking part in the discussions, lawmaker Khimlal Bhattarai said the university is expected to produce high-level graduates and thus promote technical and vocations education. 'A large number of students still go abroad to gain technical education,' he said, adding that the university should dedicate itself to prioritising research-based learnings.

Devendra Dahal was hopeful that the university would contribute to create job opportunities at home through the promotion of applied sciences. While Dr Khimlal Devkota was of the view that the university should not be opened in the name of political leaders, Prakash Panth stressed the need to operate universities that were already established and are likely to be established in a smart way.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 8, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.