Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel States Political Interference Ended in Higher Education Appointments

Kathmandu. Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmita Pokharel, has stated that political interference in higher education has been ended and a merit-based appointment process has been implemented. Responding to questions raised by members of the National Assembly on Friday, Minister Pokharel informed that political appointments in universities and other educational institutions have been abolished and positions are being filled through open competition. According to him, vice-chancellors have already been appointed in nine universities, and the appointment process is underway in the remaining universities. He stated that the appointment of the Chairman, members of the Tribhuvan University Service Commission, and other high-ranking officials has been completed, and the process for filling the remaining vacant positions is in its final stages. Minister Pokharel claimed that for the first time in Nepal, vice-chancellors have been appointed in all universities through open competition by expert teams, without political interference. He mentioned that instructions have been given to ensure good governance in universities, improve the academic environment, and prepare and implement an annual academic calendar, and informed that all universities have now prepared their annual calendars. Speaking in the National Assembly, Minister Pokharel said, 'To ensure education based on a merit system by freeing higher education from party politics, nominations in universities and educational institutions have been abolished.' He added, 'Vice-chancellors have now been appointed in nine universities.' Providing information about the appointment process, he said, 'The appointment of the Chairman, members of the TU Service Commission, and other high-ranking officials has also been completed.' He further said, 'And the process for filling the remaining vacant positions in some institutions is in the final stage.' Speaking about open competition, he said, 'Perhaps for the first time in Nepal, we have appointed vice-chancellors in all universities through open competition by forming expert teams without any political interference.' Clarifying about the calendar, he said, 'Furthermore, instructions have been given to ensure good governance, improve the academic environment, and for all universities to prepare and implement an annual calendar.' He added, 'And as of now, all universities have prepared their calendars.' Minister Pokharel stated that the delay in the appointment of vice-chancellors is due to provisions in the acts of other universities. He also claimed that there was no negligence in the publication of the Grade 12 results.