Kathmandu: Officials of Tribhuvan University have tendered their collective resignation. The move comes as the government prepares to remove politically appointed officials through an ordinance. Rector Prof. Khadga KC informed some journalists that the resignation was submitted to facilitate the government’s functioning. The resignations follow the government’s recommendation to the President of an ordinance that includes provisions to annul all political appointments. According to a university official, TU authorities had been discussing whether to continue in office or resign after the formation of the new government. They reached a decision to step down after the government requested them to clear the way.
“They had been deliberating for some time on whether to continue working in this environment or resign,” the official said. “Following discussions, they had already made up their minds to resign a few days ago.” Those who have resigned include Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal, Rector Prof. Dr. Khadga KC, and Registrar Prof. Dr. Kedar Prasad Rijal. Aryal was appointed Vice-Chancellor on 25 Asar 2082 (Nepali calendar) after Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral resigned from the post. At the time, KP Sharma Oli was serving as Prime Minister.
Rector KC and Registrar Rijal were appointed during the tenure of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. On the recommendation of then Vice-Chancellor Baral, they were appointed on 30 Chaitra 2080 by the then Prime Minister Prachanda. Although the tenure of TU officials is four years, they chose to resign as the government moved forward with the ordinance. President Ram Chandra Paudel is currently reviewing the recommended ordinance. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the ordinance aims to remove officials holding positions in public bodies through political appointments.
