Professors, students and staff object to TU Senate meeting called for Asoj 22

Professors', students' and staff representatives have raised objections to the Tribhuvan University (TU) Senate meeting that the university has called for Asoj 22.

The Nepal Professors' Association, the TU Professors' Association, the TU Staff Association, the student union (Swoviu), and Senate members issued a joint statement questioning the process by which the meeting was called. They claim the Tribhuvan University Act, 2049 BS, ensures the presence in the Senate of 5 elected professors, 2 of the student union chairpersons, and all three associations.

The statement says the ordinance brought by the government has lapsed and, since no new law has been made in its place, the old Act remains in force. Under the Act, they say, notice of the meeting and its agenda must be sent to members at least 15 days in advance. They maintain the Senate cannot sit in violation of the law.

TU spokesperson Nabindra Bhandari, however, said the Asoj 22 meeting would pass the budget and the students' grace list. The passing of the budget had been stalled for months due to delays in appointing office-bearers. With the Senate unable to meet, policies and programs as well as the graduate list have also not been approved.