Geomatics Engineering at Jibaraj Ashrit Polytechnic Attracts Students

The Jibaraj Ashrit Polytechnic, located in Isma Rural Municipality–5, Isma, Rajsthal, Gulmi, has seen high enrollment from students in remote areas after introducing the Geomatics Engineering program.

Among the 12 students in the third year, eight are from outside districts such as Kalikot, Jajarkot, and Bajhang. The first semester also has students from Mugu, Rukum West, and Bardiya. However, the institute has found it challenging to make local residents aware of the importance and relevance of this subject.

Limited Awareness of the Program’s Value

Institute head Pradip Raj Pandey admitted that the community only associates the term “Amin” (land surveyor) with this field and that the bachelor-level Geomatics Engineering program has not been sufficiently explained.

He noted that there is a shortage of skilled manpower to run Geomatics Engineering programs nationwide, but the institute has ensured regular teaching by managing adequate equipment and qualified personnel.

Career Scope After Graduation

Completing the three-year bachelor’s degree in Geomatics allows graduates to work as “Amin” or surveyors and to pursue higher education with ease.

According to the institute’s Training Division Chief, Rajendra Dhakal, there is high demand for this subject across the country. Graduates can also become self-employed by conducting land measurements and other surveying services.

While private colleges charge around NPR 400,000 for a three-year bachelor’s course, the government-run institute offers it for only NPR 57,400.

Free Education for Students Nationwide

Since last year, Isma Rural Municipality has provided free education for students coming from across Nepal.

Vice-Chairperson Advocate Parvati Kunwar stated that the scholarship aims to sustain the institute and attract students toward technical education. Eleven students studied under the municipality’s scholarship last year, and this year, 14 students have already enrolled.

She added, “There was even talk of merging or shutting down the institute due to a lack of students. That’s why we decided to implement the free scholarship program, and it is now being applied both last year and this year.”

Infrastructure Challenges

Established in 2076 BS (2019 AD), Jibaraj Ashrit Polytechnic has been operating for seven years without proper infrastructure.

Classes are conducted in rooms of Kumari Basic School, while administrative work is carried out from rented houses.

Students and trainers must travel to the district headquarters to find accommodation, buy supplies, and purchase notebooks.

Kiritarth Upadhyaya, a student from Bardiya Thakurdwara Municipality–9, complained that the lack of adequate infrastructure has caused difficulties in learning.

Need for Complete Facilities

The institute requires a well-equipped laboratory, fully functional classrooms with facilities, and residential arrangements.

However, the institute is located in an unsuitable area for its needs. Over the past six years, students from Gulmi, Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Surkhet, Rukum, Bajhang, and Bajura have completed their studies under challenging conditions.

Land Allocation and Budget for Construction

For a long time, despite having 44 ropanis of land, no infrastructure work was carried out due to delays by the rural municipality and the Council of Ministers.

The rural municipality’s council has now decided to grant the institute land-use rights for 30 years, though the exact area to be handed over has not been finalized.

This fiscal year, NPR 30 million has been allocated for infrastructure construction. According to Institute Head Pandey, coordination is ongoing to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and move forward with building construction.