KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Bidya Bhattarai has stated that efforts to reform Tribhuvan University often lead to allegations of interference against her.
Speaking at an interaction organized by the Education Journalists Network, Nepal (EJON) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Bhattarai highlighted her focus on addressing the university’s issues.
However, she noted that even small initiatives from her side are labeled as interference.
“Is it the Education Minister’s sole responsibility to reform Tribhuvan University? Have you ever seen me make a single phone call regarding this? Yet, even without making a call, I’m accused of interfering,” she said.
She added that meaningful reform requires dialogue and action, which some may perceive as interference.
Bhattarai highlighted that the university’s officials should play the primary role in bringing reforms. She also mentioned that the University Grants Commission (UGC), which serves as a bridge between the government and universities, is undergoing legal restructuring to expand its jurisdiction.
“The limited legal scope of the UGC has created obstacles. I’ve convened five meetings of the commission to address these issues,” she said.
During her address, Bhattarai also revealed plans to transfer the responsibility for Grade 10 board exams entirely to provincial governments.
Bhattarai also declared that work is progressing according to the educational calendar and pledged to address shortcomings as they arise.
She also argued that politically affiliated teacher organizations, which were established in special circumstances, are no longer necessary in the current context.
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