KATHMANDU, October 8 — Tribhuvan University has approved a larger annual budget for fiscal year 2083/84, prioritizing academic quality, research, technology and staff development while warning that insufficient government funding could make it difficult to meet essential expenses.

The university’s 67th assembly, held on Thursday, endorsed the budget presented by Registrar Dr. Rabindra Siwakoti.

Budget growth: The university approved Rs 30.87 billion, an increase of 9.77 per cent over the previous fiscal year.

Under the proposed financing plan, internal sources are expected to contribute Rs 15.24 billion, or 49.38 per cent of the total, while the remaining Rs 15.63 billion would come from the government.

However, the government has allocated only Rs 7.31 billion in grants to the university for the current fiscal year—Rs 4.80 billion less than the previous year. The university said salary increases and incentive allowances would create additional financial obligations.

Funding pressure: The university estimates a shortfall of Rs 8.32 billion and has requested additional government support.

University officials said that without the additional funding, meeting mandatory expenses would be difficult. The university is pursuing the matter with the government and has appealed to the prime minister, who also serves as its chancellor, to address the gap.

Operating expenses account for a projected 86.14 per cent of the proposed budget, with capital expenditure making up the remaining 13.86 per cent.

Research investment: Rs 437.55 million has been set aside for research and development, representing 1.41 per cent of the total budget.

A further Rs 217.79 million has been allocated for training, seminars and workshops to strengthen the capabilities of faculty and staff. Information technology and administrative systems management will receive Rs 80 million.

The university will also continue providing inflation allowances and festival expenses to contract teachers and employees from its internal resources.

The budget provides for the revised government-approved salary scale and a grade amount equivalent to one day’s salary, effective from Shrawan 1, 2083. A monthly incentive allowance equivalent to 10 per cent of the revised salary has also been proposed from the same date.

To curb spending beyond approved limits, university bodies will be required to obtain prior approval from the central office before using internal funds for essential expenses that exceed their budget ceilings.

The university also sought the assembly’s approval for expenditure incurred under 16 programmes funded through University Grants Commission grants in fiscal year 2082/83.

The allocations cover regular, internally funded and development programmes, reflecting the university’s stated focus on improving education, strengthening research and expanding the use of technology.