May 08, Kathmandu - In a move to ensure transparency, merit-based selection, and fairness, the Nepali government has announced a new procedure for appointing Vice Chancellors at eight universities across the country. The application process is now set to be conducted through expert committees to guarantee an unbiased and competitive selection.

According to the approved 'Unified Procedure for Selection and Recommendation of Vice Chancellors of Various Universities 2083,' the appointment process will be open to all qualified candidates, emphasizing rigorous evaluation and public suggestions. 

The selection committee, formed by the Prime Minister, will have the authority to establish subcommittees with experts if necessary. These subcommittees will assess applications based on academic qualifications, research experience, strategic vision, action plans, and presentation skills. The top ten candidates, with the highest scores, will be shortlisted and publicly announced.

Public feedback will also be solicited on the shortlisted candidates from academia and stakeholders before proceeding to interviews and final selection through presentations. To prevent conflicts of interest, the procedure explicitly states that close relatives of committee members or recommenders cannot be nominated as candidates. A clear definition of "close relatives" is outlined within the policy.

Candidates must possess a PhD to qualify for the vice chancellor position, along with a minimum of ten years of research and academic experience, high moral character, and a self-declaration of not being a member of any political party. Applicants are also required to present clear plans for university reforms, research expansion, administrative improvements, and quality enhancement.

The evaluation will be based on a 100-point scale, considering published research, books, administrative experience, presentations, and interviews. The process mandates transparency by requiring explanations for high or low scores.

Candidates involved in corruption or ethical misconduct will be deemed ineligible. Complaints or allegations related to such issues can lead to application rejection and further investigation by relevant authorities.

This new procedural framework aims to address longstanding criticisms that university appointments in Nepal have often been influenced by political connections and favoritism. By institutionalizing expert evaluation and transparent procedures, the government seeks to promote meritocracy and uphold the integrity of university leadership.