KATHMANDU: The Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sumana Shrestha, has affirmed that universities will operate without undue influence from either the Ministry or her political party, Rastriya Swatantra Party.

In a meeting today at Singha Durbar with a team of education experts led by Kedar Bhakta Mathema, the Minister assured that vice-chancellors and university officials will not face pressure to serve personal or political interests.

As the Pro-Chancellor of universities, the Education Minister holds a key role in overseeing their governance.

During the discussion, the expert team recommended the government promote merit-based appointments in universities.

They also appreciated the Minister’s decision to appoint the Rector and Registrar of Tribhuvan University (TU) through open competition rather than political affiliations.

Minister Shrestha stated that appointments to the TU Service Commission will also follow an open competition process, with no interference from her end.

Highlighting existing legal provisions prohibiting government employees and teachers from political party membership, she emphasized that violation of this law carries consequences.

Furthermore, she mentioned the establishment of a task force to revise teacher appointment criteria, aiming to remove the mandatory B.Ed. degree requirement for teaching careers.