Twist in the tale: PM Oli signs TU budget

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also the Chancellor of the Tribhuwan University, the oldest varsity in Nepal, has signed the policy and program, as well as the budget, for the current financial year. Oli signed the papers at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday, with Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi and other university officials present.

Tribhuvan University Registrar Professor Dr. Kedar Rijal confirmed that the Prime Minister signed the necessary documents, despite earlier reports suggesting that Oli had delayed the process. On August 1, the university Senate had approved the policy, program, and budget. However, Prime Minister Oli left the meeting without discussing the documents, citing a busy schedule, and delegated the discussion to Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai.

Rijal clarified that there were only two main agendas for the Senate meeting: passing the 62nd grace list and the policy and program and budget. He dismissed claims of a delay, stating that the budget and policies were always expected to pass. He attributed any confusion to misunderstandings and emphasized that the next meeting will address university rules and regulations.

The Senate also approved the grace list for 73,995 students across various levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs. During the Senate meeting, Prime Minister Oli halted Vice Chancellor Rayamajhi’s presentation of the policies and programs, questioning why a proposal had been made to prevent the Prime Minister from being the university’s chancellor.