Tensions Rise Over Fee Hike and Exam Date at Tribhuvan University's Institute of Engineering (TU IOE)

Lalitpur, October 4, 2023. Recent events at the Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering (IOE) have stirred controversy following a seemingly agreed-upon decision.

The Agreement in Question

• A late-night agreement was reached on October 2, 2023, between IOE officials and student representatives. The primary points of this agreement were:
  • No increase in the existing fee structure.
  • The graduate level (BE/BArch) entrance examination to be held on October 9, 2023.

However, the assurance of this agreement's implementation is now wavering, as dissenting voices emerge within the institute's leadership. Some officers have voiced concerns that the dean signed the agreement under duress.

Official Statements and Actions

• The official response from the institute is silent; attempts to reach them have been in vain.
• An anonymous assistant dean stated, "On Monday night, the dean signed [the agreement] to save his life. We don't align with it. Hence, the entrance exam will not proceed as planned on October 9."
• Dean Prof Dr. Shashidhar Joshi and Assistant Dean Prada Sushil Vajracharya represented the institute in the agreement. 11 student leaders from various unions endorsed the decision.
• Post-agreement, an official notice was displayed at the Dean's office regarding the exam.

Financial Concerns at the Institute

• The IOE proposed a drastic fee hike from the current 3 lakh 18 thousand rupees to a staggering 7 Lakh 75 thousand rupees.
• The justification for the hike lies in the institute's claim of an annual deficit of about 150 million rupees.
• However, student organizations stand firm against this proposed increase.

Campus Departments Seek Autonomy

• Adding to the complex situation, several department heads from the Pulchok campus submitted a collaborative letter on October 3, suggesting their roles be handed over to the independent student union, Swaviyu.
• This came after a statement by the Free Students Union (FSU) Presidents of different campuses, implying a better quality management under their leadership.
• These department heads claim they have the backing of both the professors' and staff's associations to relinquish their duties to Swaviyu. The letter has been forwarded to the higher authorities, including the Vice-Chancellor and FSU Presidents.

Departments Involved

• The petitioning departments include:
  • Applied Science and Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Electronics and Computer Engineering.

This situation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and staff alike. As both sides stake their claims, the academic future of many hangs in the balance. The coming days are sure to be pivotal for the IOE and its stakeholders.