NAST Appoints Vice-Chancellor Without Competition

Kathmandu. The Vice-Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has been appointed without competition.< /p>

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has appointed Prof. Dr. Janardan Lamichhane as the Vice-Chancellor of NAST without even calling for applications. While applications were invited for other universities, scientists have raised questions about the secret appointment of the Vice-Chancellor to NAST, an important body linked to scientific research and innovation.< /p>

This has deprived competent individuals with excellent, experienced, international experience, international degrees, and international-level research fellowships in the open market from participating in the competition.< /p>

Chancellor Shah had appointed Vice-Chancellors to other universities from among the candidates recommended by the Vice-Chancellor selection and recommendation committee of the university. Concerned officials say that the government has a double standard, sometimes conducting competitions and sometimes not.< /p>

Some scientists who came in contact with Ratopati have complained that they were deprived of participating in the competition, alleging that the Vice-Chancellor was selected arbitrarily without open competition. One scientist said, 'The government did not give an open call to all scientists. The opportunity to select a universally acceptable candidate was denied. Isn't this double standard of the government, conducting competition in some bodies and not in others? This will close the path for young scientists to come.'< /p>

Prime Minister Balen Shah, who is also the Chancellor of NAST, appointed Lamichhane as the Vice-Chancellor on Ashad 32, on the recommendation of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and Co-Chancellor Mahabir Pun.< /p>

Although NAST plays a leading role in the development of science and technology, promotion of research, and innovation, stakeholders say that the government has not prioritized it. They say that the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor without competition, ignoring open competition and meritocracy, will affect the country's scientific research and academic reputation. Scientists say that appointments based on political or administrative division will destroy the environment of autonomous research, cause intellectual migration, and weaken the international credibility of the institution.< /p>

Some scientists in NAST had expressed their desire to run for Vice-Chancellor. However, the government did not call for applications for the post of Vice-Chancellor. Another scientist who came in contact with Ratopati said, 'The government did not even advertise. Google Scholar and Google Citation are used to evaluate scientists, and I was qualified for that. Where did meritocracy go? Where was the competition? Can people from the pocket be appointed to academic leadership? The Prime Minister seems to trust Minister Pun more. Not calling for applications is a fatal mistake.' He said that this step questions the government's slogan regarding meritocracy.< /p>

Prof. Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Jha of Kathmandu University said that if NAST is to be improved, it is necessary to immediately dissolve the current structure, amend the relevant laws and regulations, and hand over the leadership to a new merit-based leadership. Jha said, 'It is necessary to hand over the leadership to a new merit-based leadership. The government itself must take the initiative for this work, because the academics and employees there will not do it. They have to protect their positions and honor. But the current government has failed badly in this task. It will be a big delusion to think that this institution can fulfill its purpose by entrusting the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor without competition to an active member of the Maoist party.'< /p>

Another professor said, 'The appointment was made without open competition. Other qualified scientists were deprived of the opportunity to compete. After the appointment from the pocket, what else can be done other than obeying the minister's orders!'< /p>

Lamichhane is a biotechnologist. He used to teach at the School of Science at Kathmandu University. He has also served as a member of the NAST Management Council.