Himalayan News Service

Dharan, April 30:

BP Koirala Memorial Institute of Health Sciences (BPKMHS), Dharan, has decided to keep reservation open for all janajati students from this academic session. Earlier, it had announced only 14 janajatis could receive MBBS study quotas. “This year, MBBS quotas will be open to all 61 janjatis,” said professor Dr Lokbikram Thapa, vice-chancellor of BPKMHS.

The hospital had earlier decided to award quotas to Kusunda, Bankariya, Raute, Kushwadiya, Kisan, Surel, Pahari, Meche, Raji, Bote, Hayoo, Jirel, Lepcha and Satathal communities. The decision to this effect was taken at an important senate meeting of the BPKMHS on April 19 that was chaired by vice-president of the Council of Ministers and ex-officio deputy-chancellor of the BPKMHS, Kritinidhi Bista.

Last year, a student with Khanal surname was selected through a competition after none of the janajatis applied for the scholarship quota. The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post had carried the story on their July 7 edition. Following the publication of news, general secretary of the Federation of Nepal Aadibasi and Janjati, Dr Om Gurung, had requested to change the policy. The BPKMHS has also come up with additional relief packages for janajati students this year. The quota for janajati students has been increased to three from one last year. The students belonging to underprivileged communities will be given priority, Dr Thapa told this daily.