The students said that it is necessary to manage technical human resources, allocate regular budgets, and conduct orientation programs related to the use of both centers.
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The electronic library and the Disability Student Support Center established at the Dhankuta Multipurpose Campus here have not been able to operate effectively, so students are deprived of the facilities of technology-based studies and equal education. Due to managerial weaknesses, lack of manpower and lack of operating budget, both the structures have become useless.
The electronic library established at the campus about 10 years ago was started with the aim of increasing the use of e-books, journals, research papers and online databases in study and teaching. The library has 20 computers with internet and other electronic devices. However, due to lack of technical manpower and managerial weaknesses, the library has not been fully operational.
Assistant Campus Head of the Faculty of Education of the campus, Dr. Shyam Prasad Wagle, who has been given the responsibility of looking after the library, said that the problem in operating the library is due to the lack of necessary staff management from Tribhuvan University. According to him, although an authorized-level librarian is needed, there is currently no such manpower. 'The old staff has left, no new appointments have been made. The computer operator has to handle normal work,' he said.
Dhankuta Multiple Campus Executive Committee Member-Secretary Associate Professor Krishna Govinda Adhikari said that although it is not regular, the electronic library is operated when needed by students and professors. He said, 'Work is being done from here when necessary.'
Similarly, the Disability Student Support Center, which was established four years ago to provide equal opportunities to students with different abilities in studies, has not yet been operational. Although the center, which was established with the help of donors, has been provided with assistive devices, disability-friendly infrastructure and toilets, it has not been put into operation. There is not even easy access for wheelchairs to the center. The computers, display monitors and other electronic equipment kept in the center are covered in dust.
According to Hom Bahadur Basnet, the head of Dhankuta Multiple Campus, this program was started simultaneously at Mahendra Ratna Campus Tahchal in Kathmandu, Prithvi Narayan Campus in Pokhara and Dhankuta Multiple Campus. But he admitted that it could not be operated as intended. 'Even though the equipment has come from the donors, there is no budget for its operation. We also do not have detailed information about the cost of the equipment,' he said. He said that the campus itself has managed the necessary furniture.
The computers, laptops and digital display boards kept in the center are unused. Basnet said that some laptops are being used by professors due to the risk of equipment damage, while some computers have been transferred to the examination branch.
Students have also complained that they have not been able to benefit from the fact that both centers are not operational. Yuva Timsina, president of the Independent Students' Union, said that students still tend to depend on physical books and have little interest in using technology. He also said that the campus administration has not been able to provide adequate orientation on the importance of the electronic library.
As the campus administration and management have not taken the initiative in the effective use of technology-based infrastructure, students have been forced to stay away from the modern study system. Students complain that technical manpower management, regular budget allocation and orientation programs on usage are necessary for the operation of both centers.
Milan Kumar Khadgi, chairman of Dhankuta Municipality Ward No. 6, who is an ex-officio member of the management committee of Dhankuta Multiple Campus, said that he has attended only two meetings since 2079 BS. He said that although he is concerned about the deteriorating management of the campus, the campus management has not invited him to discuss the matter. Khadgi said, 'I have been an ex-officio member of the campus management committee since 2079 BS. But during this period, I have been invited to only two meetings.'
On the other hand, Koshi Province Assembly member Niran Rai, who is also a member of the campus management committee, has stated that the campus needs educational and managerial reforms. He said that in-depth monitoring and study are needed on the academic quality and managerial aspects of the campus. He said, 'I am planning to go to the campus in a few days to study and monitor the campus with stakeholders.'
