KATHMANDU, Dec 2: Dr KP Singh, dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), tendered his resignation Friday to Tribhuvan University. 

Dr Singh was appointed dean 20 days ago. On that day, Dr Govinda KC of IOM started his hunger strike, demanding appointment of the dean on the basis of seniority.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday directed  Education Minister Dhani Ram Paudel and Health Minister Gagan Thapa to address Dr KC's demands. Ministers Paudel and Thapa urged Dr Singh to pave the way for resolving the problem by resigning from his post.

"Dr Singh resigned from his post today," said Dr Tirtha raj Khaniya, vice chancellor of TU. "Now we have the space to appoint another dean as per the rules," he added. "However, an immediate appointment is not possible as the recommendations committee has to recommend the candidate as per the new standards formulated by a panel led by Dr Ramesh Kant Adhikari, a former dean of IOM."

VC Khaniya declined to comment in detail on Dr KC's demands. 

Dr KC started his latest hunger strike after the government failed to address his demands, although it had agreed to do so. In the course of starting his 10th hunger strike, he had issued a 10-point demand, including the sacking  of TU Vice-chancellor Khaniya and appointment of the IOM dean on the basis of seniority. 

 
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• institute of medicine
 
• tribhuvan university