Decision to continue PCL lauded

KATHMANDU: Stakeholders have applauded yesterday’s decision to give continuity to Proficiency Certificate Level in all Tribhuvan University affiliated campuses this year.

A tripartite talk among the representatives of the student unions, TU and officials of Ministry of Education had ended with the agreement to continue admission in the PCL, withdraw joint protests of 13 student unions and formation of a commission to decide on the PCL phase out for next year.

Prof Dr Tirtha Khaniya, an educationist said that the agreement in favour of the PCL was appropriate. Talking to The Himalayan Times today, Dr Khaniya said, “TU had taken decision to phase out PCL without preparation of alternative for students therefore their decision had to be revoked. Continuation of PCL this year has given sufficient time to the government for preparation of alternatives.” Dr Laba Dev Awasti, joint secretary at MoE also agreed that the continuation of PCL this year would definitely give some extra time for the government to do all the needful.

“In yesterday’s meeting, we found that the unions were not against PCL phase out but they wanted assurance of quality education at an affordable cost,” Dr Awasti said. “If we develop the infrastructure this year to give alternative for the next batch, the same agitating students will be lobbying for PCL phase out.”

Students end hunger strike

KIRTIPUR: Leaders of All Nepal National Independent Students' Union-Revolutionary today ended their fast-unto-death. Vice chairman of Unified CPN-Maoist Mohan Baidhya Kiran offered the agitating students juice to break the fast.

President Lekhnath Neupane, treasurer Ramesh Malla and central member Birendra Basnet of ANNISU-R were observing the fast since August 9 at TU VC’s office to protest the TU decision of phasing out its PCL.

The agitating students gave up their protest today after the university agreed to

announce new admission in its intermediate level.— HNS