KATHMANDU, Aug 18: CPN-UML lawmaker Bhumika Limbu has questioned the appointment of litterateur Kumar Nagarkoti as Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, citing concerns over his views and remarks about women.
Speaking at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Limbu questioned whether Nagarkoti’s appointment was appropriate for an institution entrusted with promoting and preserving Nepal’s language, literature and culture.
Prof Dr Baral appointed Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University
She also raised questions about the transparency of the selection process, arguing that candidates’ conduct and public record should be taken into account alongside their academic qualifications.
“The appointments made by the previous government were repealed through an ordinance, and it was said that qualified candidates would be appointed. Applications were invited three months ago. But the recommendation committee and the ministry collected names internally. The list of those appointed was then made public,” she said.
Limbu demanded that the government make public the shortlist of applicants and accused it of manipulating the selection process to favor its preferred candidate.
“For the government to appoint a person whose thoughts, views and language toward women have been controversial itself raises a serious moral question,” she said. “Is it enough to be an academic to be appointed as Chancellor, or should one’s moral conduct also be good?”
Her remarks put a fresh spotlight on the selection process for the leadership of the Nepal Academy and the standards used to assess candidates for such public cultural institutions.
