Prime Minister and Chancellor Balendra Shah appointed Prof. Shyam Narayan Labh as Rajarshi Janak University's new Vice-Chancellor on Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026), from a three-name shortlist produced through the government's open competitive process. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel administered his oath of office and secrecy the same day at the Ministry.
| New Vice-Chancellor | Prof. Shyam Narayan Labh |
| Appointed | Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026) |
| Selection process | Open competition; 27 applicants |
| Outgoing VC | Prof. Dr. Amar Prasad Yadav (substantive VC 2023–2026, removed by ordinance May 2, 2026; succeeded on a caretaker basis by Prof. Dr. Vidya Sagar Verma) |
On July 6, 2026 (Ashar 22, 2083), Prof. Dr. Shyam Narayan Labh formally assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of Rajarshi Janak University at the Vice-Chancellor's Office in Janakpurdham.
Addressing the office assumption ceremony, he reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen Rajarshi Janak University and further enhance its academic excellence and institutional development.
He said he would dedicate himself to advancing the University through quality higher education, effective academic leadership, and close cooperation with faculty members, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
The ceremony was attended by outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bidya Sagar Verma, Registrar Prof. Dr. Balram Jha, deans of various faculties, the Controller of Examinations, faculty members, staff, and students.
Background: who is Shyam Narayan Labh?
Prof. Dr. Shyam Narayan Labh is a Professor (Emeritus), Fulbright scholar, senior aquaculture scientist, and policy advocate with decades of leadership in fisheries education, sustainable aquaculture, and climate-resilient food systems across South Asia. Prof. Labh served Tribhuvan University as a professor of Zoology. He holds a PhD from the University of Delhi, with doctoral research on fish nutrition.
Twenty-seven candidates applied for the Rajarshi Janak University VC post. The Selection and Recommendation Committee chaired by Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel oversaw the shortlisting and interview process before recommending three names, from which Chancellor Balendra Shah selected Prof. Labh.
The predecessor: how the previous leadership left
Rajarshi Janak University's outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Amar Prasad Yadav had led the university since July 2023, when he was appointed by then-Prime Minister and Chancellor Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Prof. Yadav's substantive term ended under the government's May 2, 2026 ordinance, which removed 39 office-holders appointed under the Rajarshi Janak University Act, 2074; including the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar as part of the same nationwide action that emptied leadership positions at universities and and several other institutions. The Chancellor's office then assigned Prof. Dr. Vidya Sagar Verma as caretaker Vice-Chancellor on Baisakh 30, 2083, a role he held until Prof. Labh's permanent appointment on July 3, 2026.
