Professors Protest Demanding Autonomy for the Institute of Engineering
Professors from the Institute of Engineering (IOE) under Tribhuvan University have initiated a protest demanding the restoration and protection of its autonomy.
The IOE units of the Tribhuvan University Teachers’ Association, various ideological organizations of professors, and all constituent units of the Institute jointly held a press conference on Wednesday in Pulchowk, Lalitpur.
They accused Tribhuvan University of undermining the institute’s administrative, financial, and research independence through direct interference.
Professors Call for an End to Central Interference
Professor Dr. Sangita Singh stated that the protest began on Asar 19 (corresponding Nepali date) as an indefinite movement calling for the assurance of institutional autonomy.
“We have been protesting for several days. Our key demand is the assurance of autonomy. Central interference must be abolished. In the age of globalization, it is imperative to focus on international-level research and academic excellence,” she emphasized.
Interference Affects Research and Development Activities
Professor Roshan Karki from the Department of Civil Engineering shared that Tribhuvan University’s intervention has hampered research and development activities in the institute, which the Government of Nepal originally established to produce skilled technical human resources.
“This movement is a unified effort for the welfare and reform of the Institute of Engineering. The institute was previously allowed to operate with autonomy and generate its own income. However, the Senate meeting of 2080 decided to strip that autonomy, which is unacceptable,” he stated.
Mass Resignations to Press for Institutional Rights
Professor Dr. Sudip Bhattarai revealed that 54 professors have collectively resigned from their roles as department heads and deputy heads across the five constituent campuses under Tribhuvan University, demanding autonomy.
He also noted that the protest program organized by the teachers' association has received strong solidarity from various ideological groups within the institution.
Movement Driven by Institutional Integrity, Not Personal Gain
Dr. Shrihari Thapa, President of the TU Teachers’ Association, Thapathali Campus Unit, stated that the movement is driven by a collective sense of responsibility toward institutional integrity rather than personal interests.
Academic Activities Suspended Until Demands Are Met
According to Professor Karki, the protest formally began with the submission of a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor via the administrative head. He informed that all academic activities, including teaching and examinations, have been halted until the demands are addressed.
