CM Acharya on Strengthening Public Campuses

CM Acharya Emphasizes Reform for Higher Education in Lumbini

Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, stated that the provincial government is actively engaged in policy, structural, and practical reforms to strengthen the higher education sector.

Addressing a province-level assembly organized by the Lumbini Province Committee of the Public Campus Teachers' Association at Airawati Multiple Campus, Deukhuri, Dang, on Saturday, he emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and public campuses to enhance the quality of higher education.

Provincial Efforts Toward Policy and Structural Support

• The government is prioritizing both academic and physical improvements in public campuses.

• CM Acharya noted the government's serious intention to address existing issues through policy reforms.

• He mentioned that although the government intends to provide grants to public campuses, legal obstacles remain.

Public Campuses as a Bridge to Higher Education

• CM Acharya expressed that public campuses serve as the primary medium for enabling children of ordinary citizens to access higher education.

• He stressed the need to remove legal barriers to ensure consistent support to these institutions.

Call to Transfer Responsibility to Provincial Government

• The Chief Minister reiterated ongoing efforts to convince the federal government to delegate the responsibility of public campuses to the provincial level.

• He argued that while investment has been made up to Grade 12, the law does not formally recognize this role, leaving all authority for higher education with the federal government.

• Despite this, the province has been fulfilling its duties within its capacity.

Commitment to Legal Reform and Clarity

• CM Acharya acknowledged the need for legal clarity and proposed that local governments take charge of education up to Grade 12, while the province would take responsibility for public campuses.

• He emphasized that public campuses should not be left unattended and that discussions on this issue are ongoing.

Education Act and Provincial Rights

• CM Acharya expressed hope that the new Education Act would clarify current ambiguities.

• He asserted the province is seeking rightful authority in the education sector.

• If granted, the province is ready to manage public campuses, while local governments manage schools and the federal government oversees universities and constituent campuses.

Need for Merger Policy and Sustainable Growth

• He pointed out that a merger policy is essential to ensure the sustainable future and academic quality of community campuses.

• According to CM Acharya, public campuses form the foundation of inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable higher education in Nepal.

Notable Contribution of Public Campuses

• Public campuses have made higher education accessible in rural areas.

• CM Acharya recognized their role in educating millions of youth across the country.

Event Highlights

• The event was chaired by Yubaraj Rawat, President of the Lumbini Province Committee of the Public Campus Teachers' Association.

• Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya was present as the chief guest at the formal opening of the assembly.