KATHMANDU, Aug 22: Former minister for Education, Science and Technology and lawmaker of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Sumana Shrestha, has raised concerns about the competence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, also the Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, following a dispute between the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML over the appointment of the head of the Tribhuvan University’s Sociology Department.

Speaking during the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Thursday, Shrestha commented that at Tribhuvan University, it seems like muscle power outweighs intellect, and political parties outweigh muscle power.

"When I was young, I learned that intellect is greater than muscle power. But looking at the current state of the TU, where many lawmakers have advocated for practical education, it appears that muscle power is greater than intellect, and political parties are greater than muscle power when it comes to departmental head appointments. This is the result of political interference, and it raises questions not only about competence but also about intent," she said.

Pointing out that the PM is responsible for resolving these issues, lawmaker Shrestha emphasized that the responsibility clearly lies with the PM.

"A minister has to demand forcefully on social media for another minister to take action. Who is the captain of the Council of Ministers? The PM. Political interference has weakened the system, with two fraternal organizations of two political parties, administrative bodies, and professors' unions, all deteriorating the situation. Who is supposed to lead and provide direction? The PM,” she said.

“On August 4, the All Nepal National Free Students Union leaders assaulted an exam guard when he tried to stop them from cheating in the exam, and the campus chief remained a mute spectator. Who is the head of the parent party of that organization? The PM. Who is the commander who believes that politics should be taught in educational institutions and that teachers should engage in politics? The PM. The root cause is the same, and so is the outcome. So, what reason is there not to question the PM's competence?" she questioned. 

 
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• RSP
 
• TU