Kathmandu, Feb 6: Stakeholders have expressed worry over possible negative effects on the Kathmandu University (KU)’s image in lack of institutional development and good governance due to protracted disputes.
At an interaction organized by the Society of Education Journalists here today, speakers pointed out the need of building cordial relations with community focusing on research and skill-based education to elevate KU to the world class standards.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the KU, Prof Dr Achyut Wagle admitted that there were some challenges in institutional development and good governance of the university and claimed he had made efforts to keep good governance in his capacity as the Registrar.
He said the dispute has come to the fore due to differences between the leadership of the university and Dhulikhel Hospital as the basis for determining human resources has not been set for 35 years.
An assembly of the KU held at the initiative of Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli on last January 17 had approved the report with suggestions of the Facilitation Committee on continuing the cooperation between the two institutions.
The controversy had escalated after the search and recommendation committee headed by KU’s founding VC Prof Dr Suresh Raj Sharma revised the criteria for the selection of the university’s vacant VC.
The term of KU’s Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Bhola Thapa had ended on January 19.
Also speaking on the occasion, Dean of the KU School of Education, Prof Dr Bal Chandra Luitel argued that the problems within the university have gone out of control and students’ attraction can be regained by taking the community into confidence.
Educationist Prof Dr Man Prasad Wagle said that the search and recommendation committee is the continuation of the old ‘legacy’. He expressed concern over the recommendation committee amending the procedure for evaluating the selection of vice-chancellors.
Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Ashok Byanju urged the university to pay attention to skill-based education and increase coordination with the locals.
A total of 17 applications were received when the recommendation committee issued the notice for the post of vice-chancellor for the first time.
