Kathmandu: Protests and procession welcomed newly appointed VC of Tribhuvan University Hira Maharjan in his office today.

Maharjan is the first Kirtipur resident to hold the top executive post of the university. He arrived at the memorial hall accompanied by a procession of Newari band and Kirtipur supporters.

Nepali Congress and Maoist affiliated professors’ unions today jointly padlocked the main gate of VC’s office, including in other six universities, saying the government’s appointments were unilateral.

Likewise, Nepal Students Union protested the appointment of former VC Shivahari Marahattha at Nepal Sanskrit University saying it is against the spirit of people’s movement.

Addressing a gathering, Maharjan vowed to reform the university. Talking to this daily, Mathematics professor Maharjan pledged timely examination and plans to make the university a hub for higher education. In the last five years, student figures have decreased sharply due to uncertainty over examinations, results and absence of classes.

On asked about the appointment of registrar and rector, Maharjan said, “Consensus is the need of the hour whoever qualified will be appointed.”

The new VCs couldn’t assume office as the offices were padlocked in Pokhara, Purbanchal, Nepal Sanskrit University. And offices are yet to be set up in Agriculture and Forestry, Madhamanchal universities.

source: The Himalayan Times