KATHMANDU – Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sumana Shrestha,has said there will be no unnecessary interference on behalf of the Ministry and her party Rastriya Swatantra Party in the universities’ affairs.
During her meeting with a team of education experts including Kedar Bhakta Mathema at Singha Durbar today, the Minister assured that there would be no undue influence on vice-chancellors or university officials to serve any personal or political interests. The Education Minister serves as the Pro-Chancellor of universities.
In the meeting, the team presented the submissions to the Minister, advising the government to promote a merit-based appointment process in universities. The delegation also thanked the Minister for making the appointments of Tribhuvan University (TU) rector and registrar through an open competition instead on the basis of political sharing.
According to the Minister, the appointments of members on the TU Service Commission will be based on open competition and she would not be involved in this process.
Reminding of the existing legal provisions barring government employees and teachers from taking membership in a political party, she said the violation of the law is punishable.
She further said that a task force has been established to address the government’s plan to revise the criteria for teacher appointments and eliminate the requirement of a B Ed degree for pursuing a teaching career.
