KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science and Sports and Tribhuvan University (TU) Co-Chancellor Sasmit Pokharel has administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chair of the TU Service Commission, Kishor Thapa.
In a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Pokharel formally swore in Thapa, who was recently appointed to the post.
Similarly, in the presence of the minister, newly appointed Commission member Prof. Dr. Regina Maskey was sworn in by Chair Thapa.
Prime Minister and TU Chancellor Balendra Shah had appointed former government secretary and senior urban planner Kishor Thapa as Chair of the TU Service Commission.
Following the oath-taking, Chair Thapa pledged to carry out his responsibilities with impartiality, integrity, and courage. He said he would prioritize the professional development of university faculty and staff, enhance institutional efficiency, and contribute to long-term academic reform.
He expressed confidence that his tenure would focus on strengthening Tribhuvan University to meet the challenges of the 21st century while preserving its historic legacy. He also thanked the government for entrusting him with the responsibility.
According to the ministry, the appointment of Thapa and member Maskey aims to make the TU Service Commission more effective, transparent, and merit-based in human resource management.
The selection process followed a recommendation committee formed under Minister Pokharel, which evaluated applications and shortlisted three candidates after reviewing qualifications, experience, leadership ability, and performance.
The committee had called for applications in Jestha. After assessment and interviews, it recommended a shortlist to the Chancellor, who made the final appointment.
Thapa, an architect and urban planner by profession, has over four decades of experience in Nepal’s civil service. He has previously served as secretary in multiple ministries, including Urban Development, Education, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat.
He has also played key roles in major national initiatives such as the National Housing Plan, National Urban Development Strategy, technical education and vocational training policies, and Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
Following the 2015 earthquake, Thapa contributed as an expert member of the National Reconstruction Authority’s executive committee. He is currently associated with the Nepal Institute of Urban and Regional Studies and serves as a visiting faculty at Kathmandu University, with expertise in housing, urban development, infrastructure, disaster management, and public policy.
Comment