Uncertainty looms over Tikapur Science and Technology University project in Sudurpashchim

Dhangadhi. The Sudurpashchim provincial government's plan to establish the Tikapur Science and Technology University in Kailali has fallen into uncertainty.

Due to political infighting and low government priority, the project has been left in limbo as legal processes have failed to move forward despite budget allocations over the past three years.

With the aim of making Tikapur a hub for technical education, the provincial government registered the university-related bill at the Provincial Assembly Secretariat on 2081 Chaitra 3. Although the bill was distributed to provincial assembly members on Chaitra 17, the subsequent process has stalled.

The main reason for the delay appears to be a dispute over regional balance. According to Dharma Raj Pathak, Chairman of the Social Development Committee of the Provincial Assembly, some lawmakers opposed the project, arguing that concentrating large projects only in Terai districts would overshadow the development of hilly districts.

Following demands for balanced development between the hilly and Terai regions, the provincial government has stepped back from advancing the bill.

For the current fiscal year, the government has allocated 55 million rupees for physical infrastructure construction and 5 million rupees for operation and management. Previously, 50 million rupees were allocated in the last fiscal year as well, but no work was done.

According to Dr. Hemraj Regmi, Provincial Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development, the allocated funds could not be spent because the necessary act to operate the university has not been enacted.

'The bill has not moved forward due to a lack of political consensus, which means there is no legal basis to implement the project despite having the budget,' he said. Currently, confusion persists between the provincial government and political parties regarding whether to build this university in Tikapur or select another location.