Gramin Adarsha Multiple Campus Holds First Campus Assembly: Minister Khanal Stresses Need for Intellectual Movement in Education
The first campus assembly of Gramin Adarsha Multiple Campus, located in Nepaltar, Kathmandu, concluded on Sunday. The assembly, inaugurated by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, presented details of the campus’s academic and physical progress and included serious discussion on the country’s overall education system.
Addressing the assembly, Minister Khanal stressed the need for intellectual debate and movements in the education sector to transform the country. He said the academic sector has an important role in guiding society and the country in the right direction, arguing that movements focused only on salaries and allowances cannot transform the nation. He said the academic sector should take the lead in a movement to transform public consciousness.
Minister Khanal said Nepal’s higher education sector is at a challenging juncture and expressed concern over technological development, demographic changes, and the continuing trend of students going abroad—around 100,000 annually after completing Grade 12. Recalling data showing that 500 of Nepal’s approximately 1,500 campuses have fewer than 100 students, he raised questions about the number and sustainability of institutions. He also said the Ministry of Education is preparing to bring education-related bills forward by the next session of Parliament and called on the academic sector to move ahead in a way that helps guide the country’s future.
At the program, former minister Rajendra Shrestha stressed that the government should prioritize creating an environment that encourages young people to remain in Nepal.
Legal Basis and Challenges of the First Assembly
Campus Management Committee Chair Rameshwar Bohara explained that the campus had been operating under regulations formulated in 2060 BS. He said the first general assembly was organized after the campus’s “Campus Operations Statute 2082” was approved by the Executive Council of Tribhuvan University at its meeting dated 2082-09-08 BS under Decision No. 267.
Chair Bohara said the absence of new education- and employee-related bills has made it difficult to accelerate work. He also noted the challenge of revising the old system in order to transition to the system of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
History and Current Status of the Campus
During the assembly, the Campus Chief and founders presented details of the campus’s progress from its history to its present status. Formally established in 2051 BS, the campus is the first community campus in the northern part of Kathmandu. According to information presented at the assembly, its historical and current status is as follows:
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Initial stage: It was recalled that around 2030/31 BS, eight individuals each contributed Rs. 500 to establish the campus board from a room at NR School. The campus was inaugurated by then Education Minister Modnath Prashrit on Baisakh 17, 2031 BS, and classes began with eight students.
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Physical infrastructure: The campus currently owns 2 ropani, 2 aana, and 2 paisa of land, on which three five-storey buildings have been constructed. It has 48 classrooms and five laboratories, including two science laboratories, one computer laboratory, and one journalism practical laboratory. A canteen and banking facilities are also available within the campus building.
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Students and academic programs: Around 3,200 students are currently studying in Grades 11 and 12 and at bachelor’s and master’s levels across the faculties of Science, Humanities, Education, and Management. Qualified faculty members holding MPhil and PhD degrees are teaching at the campus.
Grants and Support Received
Details of grants received from various bodies for the campus’s physical and academic development were also presented at the assembly:
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From the University Grants Commission (UGC): The campus received a total grant of Rs. 36 lakh 95 thousand this year, including Rs. 23 lakh 95 thousand under the regular category, Rs. 8 lakh for the purchase of books, and Rs. 5 lakh for connectivity.
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From the Bagmati Province Ministry of Social Development: Rs. 7 lakh was received for the purchase of four smart boards and one photocopy machine. The procurement process has been completed.
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From Tarkeshwor Municipality: Through the initiative of Mayor Krishnahari Maharjan, the campus received a grant of Rs. 60 lakh for a state-of-the-art ICT hall, an FM studio, and equipment. The work has been completed.
Future Plans and QAA Process
The campus has initiated the process of obtaining Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) from the University Grants Commission.
Its future plans include purchasing land and constructing a new building with underground parking, operating fully digital and smart classrooms, establishing a state-of-the-art e-library, and expanding the ICT laboratory.
The campus also aims to expand collaboration with universities in Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
Recognition and Wishes for Recovery
The assembly paid special tribute to the late former judge and Campus Chair Dhakaldhwaj Thapa for his active contribution to the establishment of the campus.
It also congratulated founding teacher Professor Chandra Bahadur Shrestha on his promotion from the position of “Reader” to “Professor.”
The assembly also wished a speedy recovery to Dr. Ghanshyam Prasai, the campus’s Evening Coordinator, who is undergoing treatment in an unconscious condition in the ICU of the Trauma Center at Medicity Hospital following a motorcycle accident.
The program was attended by Campus Management Committee member and Constituent Assembly member Ekaraj Bhandari, founding Campus Chief Professor Keshav Khadka, NR College Chair Chitradhwaj Thapa, a former Education Secretary, heads of various educational institutions, professors, and other prominent members of society.
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