Educationpatra, Kathmandu, 4th July 2023. In a significant development, the government has unveiled plans to establish a university named after the esteemed Congress leader Girija Prasad (GP) Koirala. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during the centenary celebrations of Koirala and the 12th anniversary of GP Koirala Memorial College on Monday. Prime Minister Dahal expressed his commitment to initiate the process of establishing the university, emphasizing the importance of honoring Koirala’s legacy.
The initiative to establish the university was set in motion when Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shekhar Koirala submitted an application to the Prime Minister’s Office in January of the previous year. Discussions have been underway regarding the university’s formation, considering the options of transforming GP Koirala College into a university or establishing a separate entity and integrating the college into it. Both the college management and the GP Koirala Foundation have put forth a proposal to establish an independent university. Prime Minister Dahal affirmed, “Just as roads, hospitals, and universities have been built in the name of Girija Prasad, Prachanda’s name will also be remembered. Now, the process of establishing the university will move forward.”
Bhimsendas Pradhan, the president of GP Koirala College, revealed that efforts to establish the university were initiated during the previous government’s tenure. Girijaputri Sujata Koirala, the president of the foundation and the college’s patron, expressed that when Girija Prasad Koirala served as Prime Minister, he established universities in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other locations. Pradhan remarked on the aspiration to provide education that amalgamates Western and Eastern philosophies and incorporates original traditions. The proposed university aims to provide a platform for an education system that blends knowledge from diverse sources, combining both Eastern and Western perspectives. Pradhan also highlighted the inclusion of technology in teaching methods, employing a combination of closed, open, and semi-modes of education.
To expedite the establishment of the university in Kathmandu, the Council of Ministers has formed a study task force, which is working towards streamlining the process. Pradhan mentioned that experts’ input has been sought to ensure effective establishment and operation of the university. A preliminary draft of the university bill has been prepared under the guidance of educationist Vidyanath Koirala. GP Koirala College, currently affiliated with Tribhuvan University and operating under a community model for the past 12 years, does not meet the criteria for a community college, according to Triva officials.
Educationist Koirala emphasized the significance of an education system that incorporates both original and scientific thinking, stating, “Nepal requires an education system that embraces both Eastern and Western knowledge.” The proposed university aims to implement an educational approach that combines knowledge from various sources, catering to the needs of the modern world while preserving traditional wisdom. The university intends to offer teaching methods that encompass closed, open, and semi-modes of education, incorporating technology as a facilitator.
The university envisions extending affiliation opportunities to interested campuses, departing from the recent trend of non-affiliation modalities observed in newly established universities. Recognizing the challenges faced by approximately 500 community campuses affiliated with Trivia due to a lack of students, the proposed university seeks to support these campuses. The university has adopted a campus merger program, and there have been suggestions from academicians to avoid haphazard additions of universities. However, speculations persist regarding the establishment of universities at the federal and provincial levels. The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission appear to be unaware of the ongoing establishment of provincial universities.
The Higher Education Commission’s 2075 report and the Policy Research Foundation have cautioned against establishing universities without careful consideration. Nevertheless, the federal government has proceeded to establish universities such as Madan Bhandari, Yogamaya, and Rajarshi Janak University. Shekhar Koirala, Congress leader, emphasized the need to establish universities of different types in the country. These universities will have distinct responsibilities, including residential and skill-oriented education. Shekhar Koirala stated in his proposal letter to the government, “The new university will ensure that every student possesses some kind of skill and fosters knowledge, science, and technology. It will integrate subjects that combine knowledge, skills, and technology.”
The university is envisioned to operate under a Board of Trustees model, with an academic chancellor leading the institution and a vice-chancellor assuming the vice-chancellor’s responsibilities. The chairman of the trustees will have a two-term limit. Trustee membership will include representatives from the college management and active members of the GP Koirala Foundation, many of whom are Congress leaders and activists. The current system, where the Prime Minister serves as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Vice-Chancellor, will be replaced. The university aims to establish and operate with investments from all three levels of government and the community. It also proposes attracting investments from non-resident Nepalis and foreign donors, particularly those interested in indigenous issues. The university may collaborate with domestic and foreign educational, industrial, commercial, scientific, and technical institutions, subject to specified criteria and approval, to offer joint programs.
With these developments, the establishment of Girija Prasad Koirala University is set to play a significant role in advancing higher education in Nepal, incorporating a balanced blend of knowledge, skills, and technology, while honoring the enduring legacy of the late Congress leader.
