In a latest confrontation between the Tribhuvan University (TU) and newly established universities, the country´s oldest varsity has refused to hand over its constituent colleges in the respective regions to the Mid-western, Far- western, and Agriculture and Forest universities.

The refusal of TU to hand over its constituent colleges in the respective regions to the three universities established two years ago could affect their academic calendar scheduled to begin from mid-October this year.

As per the three acts passed by parliament on June 17 2010, TU is supposed to hand over Siddha Nath Campus and Siddha Nath Multiple Campus to Far-western University; and Surkhet Campus (education), Birendra Multiple Campus and Public Science Campus to the Mid-West University. Similarly, as per the Agriculture and Forest Act - 2010, TU must hand over Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Chitwan and the Institute of Forestry Campus, Hetauda to the newly formed University of Agriculture and Forestry.

TU officials on Tuesday said that the university, being an autonomous body, is not bound by Acts to hand over its property to the new universities. “TU is regulated by the TU Act- 1992. No one can direct TU to hand over its constituent colleges,” said TU rector Gun Nidhi Neupane.

Speaking at a function organized by Education Journalist Network, the vice chancellors of all three universities reacted strongly to the TU officials´ attitude towards the newly established universities.

Vice chancellor of Far-western University Jay Raj Awasthi said that his university his completed all the preparations to start classes from mid-October.

“TU officials are trying to maintain control over us,” said Padam Prasad Devkota, VC, Mid-western University. “We have already prepared curriculum for 40 different subjects from the Bachelor´s to PhD level. We will run classes from mid-October without waiting for the TU decision,” he said.

Likewise, Kailash Nath Pyakurel, VC, University of Agriculture and Forestry said, “The TU officials´ attitude towards the new universities has not been positive. We want the issue resolved peacefully.”

Bhola Pokhrel, member secretary of the University Grant Commission (UGC) said the TU should not obstruct the functioning of new universities as they were established on the demand of locals.

Last year, UGC had allocated Rs 250 million to the three universities for curriculum and infrastructure development.

source:republica,5 Sept 2012