KATHMANDU: The fourth meeting of the inter-governmental steering committee on the establishment of South Asian University (SAU) concluded yesterday agreeing to revisit the funding modality and the launching of various programmes in the 2010 academic session.

Dr Kamal Krishna Joshi, chairperson, University Grant Commission, said the meeting was fruitful. Earlier, it was agreed that as a host country, India should bear the capital cost for the establishment of the SAU while remaining countries would bear the operating and the institutional costs.

"According to the second option, richer SAARC countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka would make greater contribution compared to poorer ones such as Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan," Khaniya said. "The poorer countries have sought contribution on the basis of student participation."

The delegates from all the member states expressed their commitment towards the establishment of the main SAU campus in India, and their willingness to adhere to the Inter-governmental Agreement.

It was decided to begin the 2010 session with one programme each in science and social sciences as well as the Masters of Computer Applications.

The fifth meeting of the Inter-Governmental Steering Committee will finalise the draft statutes, regulations, business plan, academic structure and funding modality.