MP Dr. Toshima Karki Advocates for Broader Qualifications for National Forensic Science Laboratory Executive Director

Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Dr. Toshima Karki has stated that the educational qualifications and scope of work for the candidate for the post of Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Laboratory should be broadened. She expressed this view on Monday while participating in the discussion on the 'National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081' in the meeting of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of the Federal Parliament. She stated that the post of Executive Director should not be limited only to Forensic Medicine. She argued that skilled manpower with postgraduate degrees in fields such as Medical Science, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics should also be included. She mentioned that limiting to only one field could lead to a lack of qualified candidates and narrow down the selection process, emphasizing the need to provide opportunities to capable manpower. Discussing the age limit for the Executive Director, Dr. Karki expressed her opinion in favor of not changing the 60-year limit. Mentioning that the new generation is achieving higher educational qualifications and success at a young age, she stated that the new and updated generation should be given the opportunity to come into leadership. Clarifying the 10-year work experience required for the Executive Director, Dr. Karki said, 'Along with the experience gained after completing postgraduate studies in the relevant field, the internship and work experience from the initial stage should also be counted in the case of doctors.' She stated that work experience is more important than certificates. Her suggestion was that experienced individuals above 60 years of age could be appointed as advisors rather than in executive roles, and their experience could be leveraged. In the meeting, clause-wise discussions were also held on other provisions of the bill and on operating the laboratory in a modern and scientific manner.