The government has removed vice chancellors, registrars, deans, and other officials from universities, health science academies, and several academic and regulatory bodies through newly issued ordinances.
On the recommendation of the government, President Ram Chandra Paudel, on Baisakh 19, 2083, issued three ordinances related to universities, health science academies, and the removal of public officials.
Major Changes in Universities
Top officials of all public universities have been removed. This includes vice chancellors, registrars, and deans from institutions such as Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal Sanskrit University, Nepal Open University, and Rajarshi Janak University.
Newer institutions like Madan Bhandari University, Yogmaya Ayurveda University, and Shahid Dashrath Chand Health Sciences University are also affected.
At Tribhuvan University, key officials had already resigned before the ordinance was issued. Now, all nominated members in major bodies like the Executive Council and Academic Council have also been removed, leaving these bodies effectively empty.
At Kathmandu University, the vice chancellor, registrar, and all school deans have been removed.
The ordinance also makes it clear that not only top officials but also members of university assemblies, executive councils, academic councils, and service commissions appointed under different university laws have been dismissed. This applies across universities governed by separate acts, including those of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal Sanskrit University, and others.
Health Science Academies Also Affected
All leadership positions in health science academies have been cleared.
Officials, including vice chancellors, registrars, deans, and hospital directors, have been removed from institutions such as BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, and Rapti Academy of Health Sciences.
The ordinance also covers officials appointed under the laws governing these institutions, including academic heads, directors, and members of service commissions.
Changes in Education Boards and Commissions
The ordinance has also removed officials from key education bodies such as the National Examination Board, Teacher Service Commission, Medical Education Commission, and CTEVT.
Under the amendment to the Education Act 2028, chairpersons, members, and officials appointed in bodies like the National Examination Board and Teacher Service Commission have been dismissed. New provisions state that some positions, such as the Member Secretary of the National Examination Board, will now be appointed from within senior staff.
Wider Impact on Academic and Regulatory Bodies
The ordinance also applies to a wide range of academic, research, and professional institutions.
Officials have been removed from bodies such as the Nepal Medical Council, Nepal Nursing Council, Nepal Health Research Council, Nepal Engineering Council, Nepal Pharmacy Council, and Nepal Health Professional Council.
Similarly, research and academic institutions like the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council have also been affected.
The provisions also extend to officials appointed under various related laws, including those governing Ayurveda, technical education, and professional certification bodies. In many cases, not only executive heads but also nominated members, registrars, and administrative heads have been removed.
Concerns Over Sudden Vacancies
Former University Grants Commission Chair Bhim Prasad Subedi said the decision could be positive if done with good intent. However, he warned that removing a large number of officials at once could create confusion and delay institutional work.
He also noted that new appointments may face the same political criticism as previous ones.
