Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) at Mid-West University is often known for his open, loud and clear perspectives on the issues and straightforward articulation. Mid-West University has recently called for the application for affiliation in Management, Education, Humanities, Law, Agriculture, Engineering, Medical and IT for which all the colleges – constituent, community and private – can apply in frame of the affiliation benchmarks set by the university.
Prof. Dr. Nanda Bahadur Singh has been always impacted to the oaths and vows of professional ethics and pragmatism as guided by his revered parents utterly slams the legacy of malpractice though, in general, the universities have often been tarnished with the bribery charges and scams while granting affiliation and new programs. VC Singh works to maintain good governance and advocates for zero tolerance against corruption. College Readers has caught up with him to know the detailed information about the affiliation the university has recently opened. Excerpts:
Mid-West University has recently invited application for new affiliation. Could you elucidate it?
Mid-West University is the central university situated in Midwestern state. Midwest University has understood and followed the rules and objectives set forth by the UGC to ensure that they are meeting the highest standards of excellence in higher education. The university has established eligibility criteria that require individuals to obtain over 60 percent marks for further proceedings for feasibility, and it is important for them to clearly communicate their duties and responsibilities, including fee structures and deposits. Before proceeding for the application they must see the 11 benchmarks set by the university. Currently,Midwest University is prioritizing constituent and community colleges. Midwestern University places a strong emphasis on providing high-quality education while upholding transparency and integrity. The university is committed to this mission and does not compromise on the quality of education provided. Decision-making processes are conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner, allowing all members to have a say in the process. This approach ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the university and its stakeholders. The university has a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and is committed to reporting any such cases to the state administration. This showcases the university’s dedication to ethical behavior and good governance practices. Additionally, the university is striving to introduce new subjects to Nepal’s university system to enhance the quality of education for students. This focus on innovation and continuous improvement demonstrates the university’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to providing students with the best possible educational experience. Midwestern University has introduced 8 new bachelor’s courses and 7 master degree courses for students, enabling them to study these programs locally.
Could you provide more information about the eleven criteria that you are referring to?
There are eleven different criteria that must be fulfilled in order to establish an educational institution. The first is related to land, which refers to the availability of suitable land on which the institution can be built. The second criterion is the building, which refers to the construction of a building on the land that meets the necessary requirements for an educational institution. The third criterion is related to the educational subject, which means that the building must have suitable classrooms and other facilities for teaching different subjects. The fourth criterion relates to the availability of facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and other amenities that are necessary for the proper functioning of the institution. The fifth criterion is related to human resources, which includes the availability of qualified and experienced faculty members, administrative staff, and other personnel necessary for running the institution. The sixth criterion is related to the amount of money required to run the institution. This includes the initial investment required to establish the institution, as well as ongoing expenses such as salaries, maintenance costs, and other expenses necessary for the smooth functioning of the institution. There may be additional criteria that are required, depending on the specific regulations and requirements of the governing body that oversees the establishment of educational institutions. However, the eleven criteria mentioned here provide a general idea of what is required to establish an educational institution.
Can colleges from all over Nepal apply to Mid-West University?
During a conversation at the University Grants Commission with the Chairperson and other delegates, the question was asked in a playful tone about whether or not a board of Mid-West University can be put up in front of Purbanchal University. The response was affirmative, indicating that it is possible to do so. This exchange suggests that there may be a certain level of competition between universities in Nepal. However, for Midwest University, the criteria for eligibility are clear and straightforward. As long as applicants are able to meet these criteria, they are eligible to get affiliation from Midwest University. This underscores the university’s commitment to ensuring the high-quality education. But if you can’t fulfill the criteria then I’ll suggest you not to apply and waste your money here.
Is it true that Mid-West University is expediting the application process because the deadline is approaching?
The rumors being spread about the university expediting the application process are completely unfounded and baseless. As the individual in charge, I am willing to take a stand against such gossip and false information. I am confident in my ability to effectively manage and operate the university in a smooth and efficient manner. Therefore, I challenge those who are spreading these rumors to come forward and provide evidence to support their claims. In the meantime, I will continue to ensure that the application process remains fair and transparent for all applicants.
If, in case, the process cannot go ahead, will the amount deposited for it be refunded?
If any applying college has obtained the necessary affiliation and has met all of the requirements and criteria, they should have no reason to worry about their application being rejected. However, if an application is still pending and an individual wishes to have their fees refunded, the institution will typically provide a refund once the application has been officially rejected. It is important to note that each institution may have its own policies and procedures in place for handling refunds of fees, so it is best to consult the relevant department or office for specific information on the process.
What kinds of pressures have you been facing after inviting for the affiliation?
I welcome challenges as they present opportunities for growth and development. I am comfortable dealing with pressures that come along with any task or responsibility. If the end result is going to be a high-quality product, I am willing to face any challenges that may arise. My commitment to ensuring a positive outcome is stronger than any pressure or obstacle that may come my way. I am confident in my ability to handle any challenge, and I am willing to put in the necessary effort to ensure that the end result meets or exceeds expectations.
What are the things to be considered before applying for affiliation?
It is essential that the application process for any institution is legal and adheres to the regulations and requirements set by the government of Nepal. The documents and paperwork required for the application should be properly prepared and submitted according to the guidelines provided by the government. In addition to this, it is also important for the institution to clearly communicate the duties and responsibilities of both the institution and the applicant. This includes providing information on the fee structures, deposits, and any other financial obligations associated with the application process. By clearly outlining the responsibilities of all parties involved, there will be less confusion and misunderstandings, leading to a smoother and more efficient application process.
What message would you want to convey to Nepal’s colleges?
As someone who welcomes all colleges with an open heart, I believe that it is important to ensure that they meet all the necessary criteria and requirements. In order to be eligible for further proceedings and feasibility study of the college, it must obtain over 60 percent marks through the information filled and provided in the application as per the eligibility criteria. It is crucial for the college to communicate clearly with applicants regarding their responsibilities, such as fee structures and deposits. This will prevent any misunderstandings or confusion and ensure a smooth and transparent application process for everyone involved. Moreover, the documents submitted by the applicants should be legal and well-maintained. Any discrepancies in the documents can lead to delays or rejection of the application, which can be frustrating for both the applicant and the institution. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date documents, the application process can be streamlined and expedited, making it a positive experience for all parties involved.
