KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Mahabir Pun has called for abolishing the provision that makes the Prime Minister the Chancellor of universities for the sake of maintaining the quality of higher education in Nepal.
Minister Pun recently held discussions with Tribhuvan University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deepak Aryal, Rector Prof. Khadga KC, Registrar Prof. Kedar Rijal, deans, and other education experts regarding higher education reforms. According to Pun, the consensus was that universities should be led by academic professionals rather than political figures.
Experts at the meeting highlighted that the Prime Minister, with numerous other responsibilities, often lacks detailed knowledge of university administration. This has contributed to the weakening of public institutions, they said, recommending that university leadership be drawn from qualified academics.
Litterateur Jhamak to receive honorary PhD
Former Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Keshar Jung Baral recalled that, until 2045 BS, the King served as Chancellor. “When the King was Chancellor, even Vice-Chancellors were appointed directly by him, while other positions were filled in consultation with scholars, ensuring appointments were merit-based. This system helped Nepalese higher education achieve global standards,” Baral said. “Since the Prime Minister became Chancellor, political interference has increased, minor appointments are often based on party quotas, and universities have become recruitment centers rather than academic hubs. Party politics affecting policies, programs, and budgets has further weakened the academic environment.”
Education Minister Pun said, “Since the Prime Minister has been Chancellor, universities have increasingly become recruitment centers for party workers. The Prime Minister cannot dedicate sufficient time to university affairs, and programs and policies have often been delayed or halted due to decisions made without understanding university regulations. Removing the Prime Minister as Chancellor is essential to provide quality education domestically. I attempted to implement this through an ordinance, but the President refused to sign it. Legal amendments are needed to enforce this reform.”
Former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dharmakant Baskota had also recommended removing the Prime Minister from the chancellor position and amending the university act to allow academics to select leaders, though this was not implemented during his tenure. Similarly, Minister Pun’s predecessor, Sumana Shrestha (2080 BS), had proposed removing political leaders from the chancellor and vice-chancellor roles, but reforms were not enacted before her tenure ended.
Tribhuvan University Rector Khadga KC confirmed he suggested ending the Prime Minister’s role as Chancellor during discussions with Minister Pun. “We proposed that the university law be amended so that the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and other officials are appointed by university experts,” he said.
Currently, Nepal has 11 operational central universities and two others established but not yet functional. Under current laws, the Prime Minister serves as the Chancellor of central universities, while provincial heads are chancellors at the provincial level.
