Education experts have criticized the recent bill introduced by the government regarding Nepal University, claiming it to be a conflict of interest. They believe that the government, which has failed to pass the Federal Education Act, has no right to single-handedly bring forth only the University bill. According to their view, the country's needs require the establishment of the University Umbrella Act to improve the overall education system and ensure quality education. They argue that opening new universities without the Education Act and the University Umbrella Act in place is incorrect.
Educationist Bidya Nath Koirala stated that the federal structure should dictate the number of universities, type of universities (multi-disciplinary, single subject, etc.), location, and funding, and that these decisions should be made through the University Umbrella Act. He emphasized the importance of improving the curriculum and the modality of educational institutions, and stressed the need for both the Federal Education Act and the University Umbrella Act to be implemented. Koirala also criticized political leaders for one-by-one establishing universities without proper planning.
Another education expert, Dr. Rajkumar Dhungana, added that it is inappropriate to open new universities without first restructuring and managing existing universities according to the federal structure. He pointed out that the majority of students are currently enrolled in Tribhuvan University and that new universities lack student interest.
Constitutionalist Khimlal Devkota also argued that the Nepal University bill interferes with the rights of the provinces, and criticized the government for ignoring the primary principle of law-making by not repealing the formation order from the Council of Ministers. Parliamentarians have called for the bill to be withdrawn, claiming that it is wrong to present a university bill without first prioritizing the Federal Education Act and the University Umbrella Act.
