Vice-chancellors' (VC) offices at five different universities of Nepal remain padlocked since a week, by the CPN-UML-affiliated Professors' Association over the recent appointment of new vice-chancellors (VCs).
The association padlocked the offices of the vice-chancellors of the Tribhuvan University, Purbanchal University, Far Western University, Nepal Sanskrit University and Agriculture & Forestry University arguing that no professor associated with their association was appointed as VC.
"We are dissatisfied that the VC recommendation committee overlooked the contribution of the professors associated with our union," said Yadav Lamichhane, chairperson of the association.
Though the newly appointed VC of the Tribhuvan University (TU) had called the agitating professors for talks Thursday, the talks ended inconclusively.
Lamichhane said that they sat for dialogue with TU VC hoping that he would agree to appoint pro-UML professors in the posts of dean and other major posts.
"We will call off the protest if the VCs of the universities also assure us important positions in the univarsities," said Lamichhane.
Following the dissatisfaction of the UML over the recent political appointments including the VCs, the Nepali Congress has also decided to discuss the issue with the CPN-UML.
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had on Monday appointed Tirtha Khaniya, who has been accused of plagiarism, as VC of the Tribhuvan University amid criticism from various quarters.
In his capacity as the chancellor of those universities, Koirala also appointed Kul Prasad Koirala, Ghanashyam Lal Das and Bhushan Shrestha as the VCs of Nepal Sanskrit University, Purbanchal University and Far Western University respectively. Ishwari Dhakal was also appointed the VC of Agriculture and Forestry University on Thursday .
