Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that allowing political figures to serve as chancellors increases political interference in universities. Addressing the annual general assembly of Tribhuvan University today, she stressed the need to remove the provision that makes the prime minister the chancellor of all universities, stating that it only opens the door to unnecessary politics.
“It is not appropriate that we had to wait until Mangsir for an annual policy and program that should have been approved in Asar. Universities must be freed from political influence,” she said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that universities need to become economically self-reliant in addition to being academically and administratively independent. “If universities depend on the government for everything, they cannot become autonomous,” she noted.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology and Pro-Chancellor of the University Mahabir Pun stated that discussions are ongoing with experts regarding removing the provision that makes the prime minister the pro-chancellor through an ordinance or other legal measures.
The assembly decided to restructure the academic and administrative sectors under the university’s policy and program for the fiscal year 2082/83. It also decided to strengthen regional offices under the university and gradually transition toward a provincial structure.
For this purpose, a high-level TU Restructuring Commission will be formed to evaluate the academic, physical, and administrative status of campuses affiliated with the university and recommend adjustments or closures as necessary.
The university has also decided to arrange resources for human resource development, educational and curriculum reforms, examination reforms, institutional reforms, digital transformation through information technology, and research enhancement.
Today’s assembly was held after the earlier meeting—scheduled in Asar and meant to move forward the annual policy and program—was postponed due to disputes within the university.
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