Only two applications were received for the third time for the post of first vice-chancellor of Shaheed Dashrath Chand University of Health Sciences in Geta, Dhangadhi.

Vice Chancellor and Registrar Selection and Recommendation Committee Coordinator Jayaraj Awasthi said that some applications have been received for the post of Vice Chancellor and their verification is yet to be done. The committee had issued a third notice on 23 Mangsir, giving a five-day deadline to submit applications by 28 Mangsir. After not receiving applications twice, Education Minister Mahabir Pun had also called on those who want to become Vice Chancellor to get in touch through social media. ‘Some applications have been received for the post of Vice Chancellor. We have not even opened them since the applications were submitted sealed,’ he said. ‘10 people applied for the post of Registrar. We are preparing to make the shortlist public after verification.’

The recommendation committee had called for applications for the post of Vice Chancellor for the first time on 16 Kartik and for the second time on 30 Kartik. However, after not a single application was received, the committee issued a third notice on 23 Mangsir, extending the time to submit applications until 28 Mangsir. ‘Even after advertising the post of Vice Chancellor twice, no one applied. Therefore, any interested patriotic son of Nepal who has worked as a professor and doctor in the health sector with the aim of serving the motherland, please apply. Or contact me,’ Education Minister Pun had publicly called.

Stakeholders criticized the lack of applications because the qualifications of the Vice Chancellor specified in the University Act were not appropriate. The Shaheed Dashrath Chand Health Sciences University Act, passed by the Federal Parliament, was certified by President Ram Chandra Poudel on 4 Ashad 2082. After that, the process of appointing the Vice Chancellor, Registrar and other office bearers began.

The minimum qualification for the Vice Chancellor is to have obtained a doctorate, DM, MCh or equivalent degree in a subject related to medical education. It is stipulated that the person should have worked in the position of professor for at least 10 years, and should have completed 35 years but not completed 61 years.

The recommendation committee has stated that applications have been received from Chandra Prakash Bhatta of Lalitpur, Pramod Kumar Yadav of Dhanusha, Dabal Bahadur Dhami of Bajhang, Khemraj Joshi of Kanchanpur, Shiva Prasad Sapkota of Kailali, Damaru Paneru of Kanchanpur, Govinda Singh Bista of Baitadi, Bhim Bahadur Chand of Baitadi, Padmaraj Joshi of Kailali and Shila Mainali from Bara for the post of registrar. A 'shortlist' will be made from these and the recommendation process will be taken forward. The government has formed a committee under the coordination of Awasthi, with Bharti Joshi and Deepak Mahara as members, to recommend the appointment of vice-chancellor and registrar. Awasthi is the former vice-chancellor of Sudurpaschim University, while Joshi and Mahara have been appointed as expert members.