Clause-wise discussion held on dhaheed Dasharath Chand university bill

Kathmandu: The Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee has conducted a clause-wise discussion on the Shaheed Dasharath Chand Health Sciences University Bill 2080.

Following the discussion, the committee approved Sections 21 to 26 of the bill. Committee Chairman Ammar Bahadur Thapa stated that six sections under Chapter 9 have been passed.

As per Section 21, the Prime Minister will serve as the Chancellor of the University, acting as its head, with the authority to preside over convocation ceremonies, inspect the university, and provide necessary directives. Section 22 designates the Minister of Education as the Vice-Chancellor, who will have the power to inspect and oversee university operations while issuing necessary instructions.

Section 23 outlines the appointment process for the Vice-Chancellor, while Section 24 establishes the criteria for selection. Section 25 provides for the formation of a recommendation committee by the Assembly to facilitate the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. Meanwhile, Section 26 defines the functions, duties, and powers of the Vice-Chancellor.

Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Bidya Bhattarai, emphasized that there was unanimous agreement on the Prime Minister serving as Chancellor. She highlighted the importance of a merit-based selection process for the Vice-Chancellor, advocating for a transparent and competitive approach. "We have already started the practice of selecting candidates based on merit. Let’s develop a method to make the process even more structured and credible," she stated.

Minister Bhattarai also underscored the need for collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health for the university’s effective operation. She mentioned that the Ministry of Education has invested Rs 7 billion in building physical infrastructure in Geta, Kailali, while the Ministry of Health has already established a hospital. There is growing demand for the university to commence operations soon.