The bill to establish Nepal University, conceptualised by a group of academicians and other professionals, has been presented in the House of Representatives after being endorsed by the National Assembly.

The lawmakers have until Wednesday evening to register amendments to the bill which envisions establishing a non-government public university which would be the first of its kind in the country. To be established in Nawalparasi district, the university will focus on multi-disciplinary liberal arts.

Those who conceptualised the varsity say it can be a centre of excellence. The Act will come into force 35 days after authentication from the President.

Before its endorsement from the Assembly, a team of lawmakers had visited the proposed site of the university’s central office and its campuses. The legislation committee of the Assembly gave clearance to the bill after a field report from the committee.

Conceptualised half a decade ago, the government in June 2021 had formed the Infrastructure Development Preparation Board led by Dr Arjun Karki to lay the ground for the university. The board is in the process of acquiring land from Gaindakot Municipality, Madhya Bindu Municipality and Hupsekot Rural Municipality in the district.

Unlike the universities that are in operation, the Nepal University will operate under a board of trustees and will have complete authority over its management, including the appointment of its vice-chancellor.

The bill says the funding for the infrastructure will come from the three tiers of government. The operational costs will be borne from donations from individuals and institutions, foreign nationals and international organisations and the fee raised from students.

Deliberating of the bill, lawmakers across the party line said the university would help boost tertiary education in the country.

On Sunday, during the deliberations, Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Thapa said political interference has been one of the major reasons for the poor performance of the universities in the country. “The bill ensures no interference in the selection of the office bearers in the Nepal University. Only competent people selected by an independent panel will get to become the office bearers, including the vice-chancellor,” he said. “Those who have come up with the very innovative idea of setting up the new university, are highly reputed personalities in the country with a vision.”

Along with Karki, Bipin Adhikari, a professor at Kathmandu University School of Law, Surya Raj Acharya, an engineer, Dovan Rai, a writer and engineer, have long been putting in their efforts to establish the new university.

Shishir Khanal, a lawmaker of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, said a new bill to establish an all-new university has landed in the House when the existing ones are faring poorly due to inept management. “Interdisciplinary study with focus on creativity and critical thinking is what we need at this point of time,” said Khanal. “Currently, more than 100,000 students are leaving the country for higher studies. I believe that once the university is formed, it will be able to give an alternative to such students.”

For the last few years, more than 100,000 students have been acquiring ‘No Objection Certificates’ annually to travel abroad for higher studies.

Rajendra Lingden, chairperson of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, said the bill talks about fairness in the appointments, not-for-profit and excellence in quality. "Furthermore, it doesn't expect much financial support from the government."

Though the proposed university will receive government’s support, the promoters of the university say they will manage the funding from the donors. The bill will be sent to the Education and Health Committee for a detailed discussion before being tabled in the House for endorsement.