Kathmandu, February 4:

World Bank delegates today held a meeting with officials of the University Grants Commission (UGC) on the Higher Education Project II.

Professor Dr Kamal Krishna Joshi, chairman of the UGC, said, “The WB delegates are very positive towards providing grant for the project, it is just a matter of time.” He said the agreement on launching the project would be signed by April 2007. “The full-fledged work of the project will begin thereafter,” said Dr Joshi. The project will herald a revolution in the higher secondary education, he said.

The project has already been delayed by a year. “For the successful execution of the project, there is a need of political commitment along with support from all stakeholders,” Dr Joshi said.

“The WB has agreed to reimburse all preparatory expenditure incurred by the government,” he said.

Though the World Bank has agreed to provide $60 million grants for higher education reform, the launch of the project has been delayed due to volatile political situation in the country. The $60 million grant project comprise reform grants ($38 million), financial assistance for students ($7 million), grant for higher secondary education ($13 million) and strengthening systemic capacity ($2 million).

The five-year long project will address the disparity in access to higher education, ensure financial sustainability of constituent campuses and provide financial assistance to the students.

The project will also provide grants to about 200 higher secondary and secondary schools, which have a proven track record and which maintain accountability requirements.