Gandaki Province, Nepal – In a move aimed at revitalizing Gandaki University’s academic integrity, Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey appointed Professor Dr. Indra Prasad Tiwari as its new Chancellor on Friday.
Currently, Gandaki University offers academic programs in Bachelor of Sports Management (BSM), Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB), and Master of Information Technology – Artificial Intelligence (MIT AI).
Dr. Tiwari, a seasoned academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Pokhara University, steps into the role amid calls to resolve institutional disputes and insulate the university from political interference.
Dr. Tiwari, renowned for his expertise in development planning and human settlement, was selected from a shortlist of three finalists, including Professor Dr. Bishwa Kalyan Parajuli and Saroj Koirala. During the appointment ceremony, Chief Minister Pandey emphasized the need for “dispute-free, politically neutral governance,” underscoring longstanding criticisms of the university’s entanglement in controversies since its establishment in 2076 BS (2019/2020 AD).
Gandaki University, founded under the leadership of former Chief Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, has faced scrutiny over alleged political favoritism in appointments. Tensions escalated recently when the institution attempted to permanently hire 78 contract-based teachers and staff—a decision challenged in the Gandaki High Court, which issued an interim order halting the process. Critical to the university’s trajectory, CM Pandey has urged Dr. Tiwari to address these issues head-on and restore public trust.
Dr. Tiwari brings a distinguished portfolio to the role. He holds an MSc in Human Settlement Development and a PhD in Rural and Regional Development Planning from Thailand’s Asian Institute of Technology and has previously served as Dean and Vice Chancellor at Pokhara University. Colleagues describe him as an independent researcher with a clean professional record untainted by past controversies—a trait that likely bolstered his selection.
Seven candidates initially applied for the Chancellorship, with five advancing to the review stage. A selection committee—led by Professor Dr. Kailashnath Pyakurel (Head of the University Senate Council), Province Public Service Commission member Kalpana Lamsal, and Senate Council member Dr. Yamuna Ghale—narrowed the list to three finalists. Notable applicants like Professor Dr. Kusumakar Neupane and Professor Dr. Nabaraj Devkota were eliminated in the final rounds.
The Gandaki University Act mandates a full-time academic Chancellor to ensure institutional autonomy. Dr. Tiwari’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to this principle. Stakeholders now await his strategy to resolve legal disputes, depoliticize operations, and align the university with global academic standards.
“The focus must be on nurturing meritocracy and transparency,” Dr. Tiwari stated after his appointment. “Only then can Gandaki University fulfill its founding vision.”
