The Need for a Separate Diploma Engineering Council at CTEVT: Insights from Experts

The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), established in 1990 in Nepal, has been instrumental in producing medium-level technical manpower. However, a growing concern among experts is the lack of a dedicated body for certifying diploma engineering programs. This article delves into the insights shared by experts regarding this issue and the potential solutions proposed.

Current Certification Challenges:

• Lack of Designated Certification Body: Despite offering a three-year diploma in engineering, CTEVT lacks a specific body to certify the qualifications of its graduates.
• Ongoing Demand for a Separate Council: Since 2009, there has been a consistent demand for the establishment of a separate Diploma Engineering Council.

Expert Opinions and Discussions:

• Insights from Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane: Former member secretary of CTEVT, Dr. Lamichhane emphasized the need for a separate council during a recent interaction organized by the Education Journalist Network Nepal (IZON).
• Quality Maintenance: The proposed council aims to ensure and maintain the quality of diploma engineering programs.

Challenges in the Education System:

• Concerns Raised by Mahesh Bhattarai: The CTEVT member secretary highlighted broader quality issues within Nepal's education system, particularly after the extension of CTEVT programs to secondary education.

Government Initiatives:

• Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure's Proposal: Engineer Sushans Subedi revealed the ministry's initiative to form a separate council under CTEVT.
• Legal Amendments Required: Nepal Engineering Council's Registrar Shivmangal Giri stated that legal amendments are necessary for the council to license diploma-level engineers.

Ministry of Education's Perspective:

• Concerns About Re-examinations: Joint Secretary Shiv Sapkota expressed concerns over the redundancy of permit exams for students who have already passed university and board examinations.
• A Move Towards Standardization: The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is considering initiatives to standardize qualifications without relying solely on permit exams.

The establishment of a separate Diploma Engineering Council under CTEVT is crucial for maintaining the quality and standard of engineering education in Nepal. The ongoing discussions among experts, government officials, and educational authorities highlight the need for a streamlined and efficient certification process for diploma engineers, ensuring their skills are recognized and valued in the professional sphere.