KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 22

An informal meeting of the Tribhuvan University (TU) Senate was held today at the initiative of Prime Minister and TU Chancellor KP Sharma Oli to address various challenges faced by the university and discuss potential improvements.

The meeting, convened at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, lasted approximately three hours. Representatives from university professors, employees, students, and public campuses, among other stakeholders, outlined sector-specific issues and proposed solutions.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli instructed TU office-bearers to draft formal proposals outlining actionable solutions to the identified issues, following additional consultations with relevant stakeholders. These proposals are expected to include comprehensive discussions and incorporate the demands of all sectors.

Chancellor Oli convened today's meeting in response to increasing disagreements between office-bearers and Senate members regarding the agenda presented at the December 12 Senate meeting. The members acknowledged this as the first meeting of its kind initiated at the Chancellor's level and expressed gratitude for the platform to share their views openly.

After hearing the Senate members' suggestions, PM Oli urged TU officials to finalize the proposals for presentation in a formal Senate meeting after conducting thorough homework and reaching a consensus.

Addressing concerns about misinterpretations of the December 12 Senate meeting on social media, the Prime Minister advised Senators to prioritize university reforms and problem-solving over media narratives.

Clarifying his role, PM Oli emphasized that he had no personal interest in TU's affairs and urged all stakeholders to safeguard its reputation, dignity, and credibility. He underscored that the success or failure of the institution lies with the office-bearers and reaffirmed his non-interference in university appointments. 'My sole concern, as Chancellor, is the welfare and progress of this institution. Viewing constructive suggestions as interference is surprising,' he remarked.

The Prime Minister also proposed forming a task force to further study and implement the recommendations of the Committee for Assessing TU's Movable and Immovable Property. He noted that additional studies were necessary, as the current report lacked sufficient depth.

Additionally, he called for a reevaluation of the TU Service Commission's relevance if it fails to conduct regular examinations.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Education, Science, and Technology and TU Pro-Chancellor Bidya Bhattarai, TU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral, Ministry of Education Secretary Dr. Deepak Kafle, and other officials.