Tribhuvan University’s land misuse jeopardizes education infrastructure, report warns

KATHMANDU: The Tribhuvan University (TU) Land and Property Investigation Committee Report–2081 has called for sweeping reforms in land governance, record management, and asset utilization, revealing severe mismanagement and encroachment across TU’s properties. The 555-page report, submitted to the government, recommends immediate institutional, legal, and administrative interventions to safeguard public university assets worth billions of rupees.

According to the committee, TU has failed to maintain ownership integrity, update records, or ensure systematic land use and protection. Many lands allocated for educational, research, and residential purposes are either under illegal occupation, leased informally, or misused by individuals and private institutions.

The report strongly recommends digitalization of all TU land records under a centralized Property Management Information System (PMIS) to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability. It has urged TU to update all cadastral (malpot) and survey records by coordinating with the Department of Land Management and Archives.

One of the key recommendations is the creation of a Central Land Governance Authority within TU, directly accountable to the Executive Council. This body would monitor all land use, leasing, and registration activities, ensuring that no public land is transferred or used without legal authorization.

The committee stressed the need for immediate reclamation of encroached or misused land. In cases where TU lands have been occupied by schools or private organizations, the report suggests signing formal lease agreements at market-based rates under the provisions of the University Act and the Public Procurement Regulation. It also advises that encroachment cases be handed to the Attorney General’s Office and CIB for legal prosecution.

To strengthen governance, the committee recommended that TU adopt a comprehensive land policy aligned with international university standards. This includes maintaining open and green spaces, research areas, recreational zones, and institutional reserves to ensure sustainable campus development.

Another significant suggestion is to integrate academic and research objectives with land utilization, ensuring that each faculty, research center, and institute manages land according to its educational purpose.

The report further directs TU to establish an annual audit and monitoring mechanism to evaluate land use, rent collection, and structural developments. Any attempt to sell, transfer, or lease university assets without approval should result in administrative and criminal action against responsible officials.

Additionally, the committee proposed revising existing laws under TU Rules 91 and 92, which regulate property transfers and leasing, to strengthen internal controls and require mandatory Executive Council approval for all transactions.

The report criticized the government’s and TU’s past negligence, stating that land allocated to TU decades ago has not been registered in its name in several districts. It urged the government to expedite land transfer processes and provide legal and administrative backing for record correction.

Finally, the committee advised TU to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Land Management, and Urban Development to build a unified database of all university-owned and leased lands. This digital inventory should be publicly accessible to prevent corruption and enhance accountability.

In summary, the committee’s recommendations emphasize digital transformation, legal enforcement, and strategic governance reform as essential measures to protect Nepal’s largest university’s assets from corruption, political misuse, and land-grabbing practices.