Nepal, June 18 -- Nepal has been steadily expanding the number of universities each year, but the budget for higher education has not kept pace-raising concerns over declining quality, weak research capacity, and limited innovation.

A review of budget trends over the past five years shows that only around 1 percent of total national allocation has consistently been set aside for higher education, including study, research, and academic reform. Experts say this persistent gap is now undermining efforts to improve academic standards and strengthen research output.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU), Prof Dr Deepak Aryal, said the imbalance is directly affecting academic growth and the country's research capacity.

He said...