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For some years, the leadership selection process of Nepal's universities has become a victim of controversy and political interference. Recently, this issue has been discussed again due to the disagreement in the appointment process of the dean and the campus head in Trivima.
In this context, the news that the ruling party UML has put pressure on the dean and the campus head to share their share has come to light. This is not only a matter of political division but a clear example of the complexity seen in the entire structure of the higher education sector.
UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has accused the Vice-Chancellor Kesharjung Baral of Tertiary University of trying to appoint professors of personal or political beliefs in the name of meritocracy. Although Pokhrel made it clear about the need for reform in Nepal's higher education system, the need for legal reform is not given much importance.
If there is a real improvement in the process of university leadership selection, a substantial change in the existing legal arrangement of the appointment process in the Act is inevitable. And only by ensuring the autonomy of the university can the appointment process of academic officials be started in a fair manner.
It is impossible to fully implement the transparency and meritocracy system in leadership selection from the existing legal structure. Therefore, without contemporary reforms in the existing legal system, keeping the door open for direct or indirect intervention of political parties and promoting transparency and meritocracy system in leadership selection is nothing but an illusion.
The university in particular is an academic institution that should be run with high democratic values and a scientific approach. Unless the existing legal framework is improved, these institutions cannot achieve the specified educational goals. Although UML General Secretary Pokharel pointed out the shortcomings of the process of appointing officials in the university, it seems that he remained silent for the selection of fair leadership by making legal and structural reforms.
– Tekendra Adhikari, Biratnagar
