Gandaki University Act Amended in Gandaki Province

Gandaki University Act has been amended by the Gandaki Province Assembly. On Friday, 2082 Kartik 28, the Assembly passed the Gandaki University First Amendment Bill, 2082 by a majority vote.

The bill was first presented in the Assembly on 2082 Kartik 24, where it underwent general discussion. After clause-wise discussion on Friday, it was endorsed by the meeting.

In the same sitting, the Assembly also decided to send the Bill, 2082 on Regulation and Management of Cannabis Cultivation for Medicinal and Industrial Purposes to the concerned committee for further study. This bill proposes to strictly restrict personal use while making cannabis cultivation legal for medicinal and industrial purposes. It will only be passed in a future session of the Province Assembly.

Reason for Amendment

Gandaki University is currently operating under the Gandaki University Act, 2076.

According to Minister for Social Development, Youth and Sports Bindukumar Thapa, the amendment bill was introduced to run the university in a way that matches present needs.

The latest amendment has brought changes in three main areas:

• Selection process for university leadership

• Judicial structure of the university

• Procedures for appointing office bearers

Minister Thapa stated that the amendment will support Gandaki University in becoming a capable, transparent, and competitive academic institution. He remarked that the bill will be important for improving the quality of higher education in Gandaki Province.

Views Expressed by Province Assembly Members

During the discussion on the bill, Province Assembly member Govindabahadur Nepali said that the amendment is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening good governance, transparency, and efficiency within the university.

Member Sushila Sinkhada called for education to be kept away from political influence.

Member Mahesh Bhattarai noted that the bill has clarified the qualifications required for university office bearers and expressed the view that it will help make the university system stronger.

Changes in University Governance and Leadership Criteria

Under the amendment, the university’s Judicial Council will now have 15 members. Among these, at least five members must be women.

The qualifications for the position of Chancellor (Kulpati) have been revised as follows:

• Must hold a PhD degree, or

• Must have at least 10 years of experience in academic, professional, administrative, or management fields, and

• Must be at least 45 years of age.

For the position of Vice-Chancellor (Upakulpati), the revised criteria are:

• Must hold a PhD degree

• Must have at least eight years of experience

• Must be at least 40 years of age.

Cannabis Cultivation Regulation Bill Sent to Committee

The Bill, 2082 on Regulation and Management of Cannabis Cultivation for Medicinal and Industrial Purposes has been referred to the concerned committee.

The bill includes provisions to:

• Maintain strict control over personal use of cannabis

• Allow legal cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes under regulation

The bill will be taken up for final approval only in the next session of the Province Assembly, after the committee completes its study and provides recommendations.

End of the Ongoing Session of Gandaki Province Assembly

On the same day, Friday, 2082 Kartik 28, the ongoing session of the Gandaki Province Assembly concluded.

Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatt ended the current session of the Assembly with effect from 12:00 midnight on Friday.

During this session, the Assembly also passed, among other bills, legislation related to the exploration and management of mines and mineral resources in Gandaki Province.