A Diluted Experiment

There was a time when the National Development Service of Tribhuvan University was the most colourful feather in its cap. Today´s NDS is a feeble copy of its former self.. Originally, TU required Masters-level students to spend nine months serving rural communities before receiving their degree. Relatively well-to-do students thus had their eyes opened to the pervasive poverty in the countryside and at the same time provided a boost for the development of remote areas..However, a host of factors converged to upset the good intentions. As the number of graduates rose, the costs became more than anticipated, with monthly stipends, travel allowances, supervision and general administration. There were also problems getting support from rural Nepalis, the supposed beneficiaries, and adjustments to the tocal calendar disrupted the University´s own timetable. Politically polarized campus onions did not help matters and a noble plan became a political hot potato which was rapidly dropped.. The NDS in its present incarnation is regarded by students as a prerequisite evil for procuring a degree. The period of study is three months and NRs750 is provided to cover expenses. The own timetable. Politically polarized campus onions did not help matters and a noble plan became a political hot potato which was rapidly dropped. The NDS in its present incarnation is regarded by students as a prerequisite evil for procuring a degree. The period of study is three months and NRs750 is provided to cover expenses Thestudent is supposed to stay in the village for a month, which hardly allows time to interact with the community and is a far cry from the original nine months. Many students merely go through the motions of service and even copy the required "village profiles" from those who have served before in the same village.