KATHMANDU: On Wednesday morning, Education, Science and Technology Minister Bidya Bhattarai, who also serves as the Joint Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU), posted two statuses on social media, raising concerns about the actions of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Bhattarai, known for her typically cautious approach, shared these opinions two hours apart, highlighting ongoing serious controversies within the country’s leading academic institution.
The gravity of Bhattarai’s statements was underscored by the political affiliations involved: Bhattarai is associated with the CPN-UML, while Home Minister Lekhak is from the Nepali Congress.
In her statement, Bhattarai reported a recent escalation in threats and attacks on Tribhuvan University officials, including calls to professors.
She called on Home Minister Lekhak to implement systematic security measures at the university and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to take legal action against the perpetrators.
The first set of posts stirred mixed reactions, with some supporting Bhattarai’s call for action, while others criticized her for potentially overstepping.
Two hours later, Bhattarai issued a clarification, explaining that her initial posts were not made impulsively but were a necessary public appeal.
She emphasized that she and Lekhak had been in constant contact over the past five days, and her statements were meant to address the issue publicly due to a lack of response.
The Underlying Dispute
The controversy at Tribhuvan University is not new and traces back to an incident on October 6, 2020, when workers from the Nepali Congress –affiliated Nepal Students Union assaulted Prem Chalaune, an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology. The current issue revolves around the Department of Sociology’s leadership.
The dispute began when Kusum Shakya, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, recommended Tikaram Gautam for the department head position, despite a prior recommendation from the Department of Sociology for Pasang Sherpa.
This recommendation from Shakya sparked controversy, especially among Nepali Congress leaders and Central Campus officials, who claim Shakya’s decision corrects the Department’s recommendation.
University records indicate that while Sherpa and Gautam are both Associate Professors, Sherpa has been with the university longer, having started in 2060 BS, compared to Gautam, who joined in 2064 BS.
Shakya argued that Gautam’s longer tenure in the department justified his recommendation, citing prior decisions made by former Vice-Chancellor Tirtha Khaniya, who had temporarily appointed Gautam as department head.
Shyamraj Ojha, President of Free Students Union (FSU) of TU, objected to Minister Bhattarai’s public statements, accusing her of attempting to gain cheap popularity through her social media posts.
The Free Students’ Union has expressed serious concerns about recent reports alleging that university officials have been unable to attend the university due to security threats.
He stated, “We are surprised that officials are absent from the university due to security concerns and that these threats are attributed to students. The media coverage and the officials’ irresponsible statements undermine the achievements of student politics and movements.”
In s conversation with Khabarhub, Anuj Karki, FSU Secretary of Tribhuvan University’s Central Campus, defended the Dean’s recommendation for Tikaram Gautam as the head of the Department of Sociology.
Karki argued that the recommendation was justified, stating, “Gautam sir is senior. The Department of Sociology made an error in its recommendation. The Dean corrected the department’s mistake. We disagreed with the department’s decision, but as far as I know, no one has threatened university officials.”
Karki further noted that Associate Professor Pasang Sherpa, who was also recommended for the department head position, was transferred to the university only six months ago.
In contrast, Tikaram Gautam has been with the Department of Sociology for a much longer period.
“The Dean has acted justly by recommending Gautam sir,” Karki said. “When the Dean corrects the department’s mistakes, it is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor’s office to make appropriate adjustments. Claims of threats are baseless and fabricated; to our knowledge, there has been no threat or insecurity at the university.”
The controversy has historical roots, tracing back to when former Vice-Chancellor Dharmakanta Baskota appointed Luitel as the head of the department based on seniority.
At that time, there were significant disruptions, including an incident on October 6, 2020, when NSU cadres, including Yogendra Rawal, assaulted Professor Prem Chalaune in response to protests against a strike.
Court Sentences Six in Professor Assault Case
In the case involving the assault of a deputy professor from the Department of Sociology, the Kathmandu District Court sentenced six individuals to two years in prison and a fine of 20,000 rupees each on November 23, 2023.
The convicted individuals are Hariprasad Acharya, Yogendra Rawal, Rupesh Sah, Rabin Lama, Sayuj Shrestha, and Neeraj Ranamgar.
Deepak Ojha, another accused, was acquitted. The court also ordered the defendants to pay a total of 28 lakh 17 thousand 539 rupees in compensation to the victim.
Hari Prasad Acharya, President of the Tribhuvan University Unit Committee of the Nepal Students’ Association, and Yogendra Rawal, Secretary, were involved in the incident where they and others assaulted the professor.
The same group, including Rawal, has been accused of threatening university officials to ensure Tikaram Gautam’s appointment as the head of the Department of Sociology.
Reports suggest that Rawal’s group has issued threats to both Gautam and other university officials, demanding that Gautam be appointed head of the department.
There are also allegations that Rawal has threatened violence similar to that of the previous attacks against the current registrar and rector.
Concerns for Registrar and Rector’s Security
On July 16, Dr. Kedar Prasad Rijal, Registrar of Tribhuvan University, sent a letter to Education Minister Bhattarai expressing concerns over heightened insecurity at the university.
Rijal requested increased security measures for the university premises and the ressidences of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Education, and Registrar.
The letter highlighted the challenging security situation at the university and requested that the Ministry of Home Affairs take necessary actions to ensure safety for all officials.
As tensions over the appointment of the Sociology Department head continue, university officials, including Rector Khadga KC and Registrar Rijal, have reported increased threats from Rawal’s group, leading them to stop attending the office.
Security measures have been put in place both at their homes and the university.
FSU’s Response and Criticism
The Free Students’ Union has criticized the claims of insecurity as a cover for administrative incompetence.
NSU Central Campus President Shyamraj Ojha argued that the alleged security threats are exaggerated to distract from the university’s administrative failures.
He urged the university officials to provide clear evidence of the threats and challenged them to resign if they are unable to manage their responsibilities.
Ojha also advised the Education Minister to avoid unnecessary politicization of the issue and to verify any statements with evidence before making public declarations.
Who Is Rawal and What Does He Say?
Yogendra Rawal, who was recently sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the assault on a vice-chancellor, is currently pursuing an MPhil at Tribhuvan University.
Rawal has faced accusations of attempting to influence the appointment of department heads and threatening university officials.
Rawal previously served as the Secretary of the Central Campus Unit at Tribhuvan University and has been linked to Nepali Congress leader and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Rawal has posted various photos on Facebook showcasing his connections with political figures, including Lekhak.
Recently, amidst the ongoing controversy in the Department of Sociology, Rawal shared photos with the Home Minister on Facebook, accompanied by a caption referencing the current issues at the university: “We are still in the rain of July-August; it is not unusual for frogs to trundle around in the premises of the University.”
Following these posts, the Minister of Education issued a statement addressing the allegations against Rawal.
University officials, including the registrar and rector, had reported threats from Rawal, prompting the Education Minister to raise concerns with the Home Minister.
Rawal has denied these allegations, claiming that he has not made any threats nor attempted to influence the university’s internal appointments.
He asserted that Rector Khadga KC has been targeting him for various reasons and that the accusations of threats are an attempt to sway the ongoing case in the High Court.
Rawal argued that there has been no interference in the appointment process for the head of the Department of Sociology and that any suggestions otherwise are unfounded.
He claimed that the transfer of Associate Professor Pasang Sherpa from Trichandra Campus was part of regular university procedures and not an attempt to block Tikaram Gautam’s appointment.
“I have not pressured anyone regarding the department head appointments,” Rawal said.
“The allegations that I have threatened officials to influence the appointment are part of a conspiracy to impact the High Court case.”
Rawal, who has been absent from the university for about 15 days, also stated that he has not discussed these issues with the rector or registrar.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kesharjung Baral has indicated that he will address the situation and seek clarification on who might have made the threats and under what circumstances.
Vice-Chancellor sick and University Security Concerns
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kesharjung Baral has been absent from the office for the past 15 days due to a severe bout of dengue fever, which required his hospitalization and treatment.
His illness has contributed to the ongoing disruptions at the university.
Recently, a written petition was submitted to the Education Minister, alleging threats to university officials from Yogendra Rawal, a prominent Nepali Congress leader, and Shyamraj Ojha, President of the Central Campus FSU.
In response to these threats, the Education Minister requested the Home Minister to arrange additional security for the university.
Amidst this controversy, Dr. Baral, who was recovering from dengue, had planned to return to the university.
However, both the rector and the registrar have also been absent from the university since last Saturday due to concerns about security.
Baral has not resumed his duties, having been informed about the ongoing situation.
Rawal, who faces accusations, has disclosed that he held meetings with two police inspectors concerning the appointment of the Department Head of Sociology.
He claims that there has been no formal meeting with security personnel at the university and that any discussions involving police were conducted separately.
“We did not threaten anyone or escalate insecurity,” Rawal stated. “We only had meetings with police inspectors, and we object to the claims of increased insecurity.”
Minister’s Intervention and Past Controversies
The issues at Tribhuvan University are not new. In June, during Sumana Shrestha’s tenure as Education Minister, the situation escalated further.
Minister Shrestha personally visited the university to oversee the Service Commission exam, deploying police to ensure its smooth conduct.
On July 1, 2024, during a House of Representatives meeting, Shrestha emphasized her commitment to ending political interference in university affairs, stating, “Even if it requires mobilizing the police, I will stop the interference of political party-affiliated organizations.”
This intervention was prompted by disruptions attributed to Rawal’s group, which were alleged to have obstructed the Service Commission exam and professor promotions.
At that time, a significant incident involved Department Head Yograj Luintel, who was escorted by police from Tribhuvan Airport to the interview venue where Minister Shrestha was present.
The interview was part of a promotion process that faced interruptions due to political tensions.
Tikaram Gautam, now a central figure in the current controversy, did not participate in the interview.
These recurring issues highlight ongoing tensions and challenges at Tribhuvan University, involving political interference, security concerns, and administrative disruptions.
Professor’s Statement on University Controversy
A professor from the Department of Sociology criticized the university officials for their handling of the ongoing controversy, labeling their actions as an attempt to avoid accountability.
The professor highlighted that the Department of Sociology had recommended Associate Professor Pasang Sherpa as the first choice for the head of the department, followed by Tikaram Gautam and Manhari Dhakal.
Despite this, Dean Kusum Shakya recommended Gautam as the top candidate.
The professor emphasized that university officials have the authority to either accept or reject the Dean’s recommendation, and they can appoint Sherpa based on the department’s original recommendation.
“It is within the officials’ rights to appoint one of the three candidates as per the departmental recommendation,” the professor stated.
“However, it is unjust for university leaders to avoid addressing the issue under the pretext of insecurity. The presence of police at home does not resolve the underlying problem.”
The professor also criticized the current administration, noting that the rector and registrar, who are temporarily in charge due to the Vice-Chancellor’s illness, have failed to demonstrate effective leadership.
He argued that the absence of the Vice-Chancellor due to dengue should not be used as an excuse for the inaction of other officials.
“The root of the problem lies with the university officials themselves,” the professor asserted.
“They need to address the issue directly and provide a resolution instead of using the situation as an excuse for their incompetence.”
Police Response to University Security Concerns
Currently, police are stationed at the residences of both Rector Khadga KC and Registrar Kedar Prasad Rijal of Tribhuvan University, following their requests for protection.
These measures were taken due to their reported feelings of insecurity from students.
The District Police Complex Kathmandu has deployed officers from nearby units to ensure their safety at home.
Both the Rector and Registrar have been absent from the university since Friday, maintaining police presence at their residences.
Kathmandu Police Complex Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Navaraj Adhikari confirmed that security arrangements.
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