Lumbini Technological University Still Running from Rented Buildings
Lumbini Technological University, located in Banke District, has been running its educational programs from rented buildings since its establishment. Despite being a provincial university, it spends over NPR 4.8 million annually on rent.
The Lumbini Province Government had decided to set up the university in Khajura, Banke, and begin its academic operations following the decision made on 22 Poush 2079. Although the university office was established as per that decision, it has not yet managed to construct its own building and continues to operate from rented premises.
High Expenditure Amid Calls for Cost Reduction
At a time when the government is under pressure to reduce administrative expenses, the university’s growing rent burden has drawn public concern.
Krishna Prasad Shrestha, a civil leader and former central member of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the state should prioritize the use of vacant government buildings before opting for rentals.
He remarked, “The government must give priority to utilizing unused buildings where possible. If not, land should be provided for permanent construction. It’s important to question how long a public institution should continue operating from rented space.”
NPR 350,000 Monthly Rent for Three Buildings
According to Registrar Reg Bhandari, the university has rented the Agricultural Development Bank’s Regional Office building in Dhamboji, Nepalgunj for five years. The monthly rent for three buildings amounts to NPR 350,000.
He stated, “We are using three different buildings for operations, for which the total monthly rent is NPR 350,000.”
Dozens of Vacant Government Buildings in Banke
After federal restructuring, many government offices in Banke were relocated to other provinces, leaving dozens of government buildings unused. Due to lack of maintenance and proper utilization, several of these structures are deteriorating.
Despite such availability, Lumbini Technological University continues to run its programs from rented spaces, increasing the financial burden on the state.
Registrar Bhandari said the land allocated for the university in Khajura has not yet been officially transferred, delaying construction and forcing continued use of rented facilities.
Lack of Support from Local and Provincial Governments
He added that although the operation of the university in Nepalgunj is a matter of pride, the local government has remained passive in offering support.
“If local and provincial authorities took initiative, it would be possible to operate academic programs with better coordination and cost-efficiency. But the lack of seriousness from both levels has left us with no option but to continue renting,” Bhandari shared.
Possibility of Using Vacant Government Buildings
Several unused government offices in Nepalgunj, including the regional office building of Nepal Telecom in Karkando, could serve as alternatives.
Similarly, the Police Training Center, which is shifting to Surkhet under the Karnali Province, could be repurposed for university operations. Using such facilities—or paying only nominal rent for government-owned spaces—could significantly reduce financial pressure.
Land Transfer Still Pending
The province government has allocated 50 bighas of land for the university in Khajura Rural Municipality, but the official transfer is still pending due to the absence of a decision from the University Senate and the Lumbini Province Cabinet.
As a result, the university continues to spend large sums on rent that could have otherwise been invested in permanent infrastructure.
Currently, the university has around 340 students, up from its initial intake of 33 students, showing growing academic interest despite limited facilities.
At the current annual rent rate of NPR 4.8 million, the university will spend nearly NPR 24 million in five years, solely on rent. Officials believe that if the allocated land were transferred and utilized, the same amount could help construct a long-term building and save public funds.
Banke