Stakeholders demand immediate convening of Shaheed Dasharath Chand health sciences university assembly

Kailali: It has been 51 days since the Shaheed Dasharath Chand Health Sciences University Act 2082, passed by both houses and certified by President Ram Chandra Poudel on Ashar 4, came into effect. According to the Act, it automatically commenced on Shrawan 2. Despite the provision requiring the University Assembly to form a recommendation committee for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar within 90 days of implementation, the first Assembly meeting has yet to be held. The Assembly, chaired by the Minister of Education, will comprise up to 24 members, including 8 ex-officio and 15 nominated members.

The appointment of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, who will serve as the university’s executive heads, can only proceed once the Assembly convenes. The Act stipulates that the recommendation committee must be formed within 90 days of the Act’s commencement, submit recommendations within 60 days, and the Assembly must appoint the recommended individuals within 30 days.

Stakeholders have expressed concern that the delay in holding the first Assembly meeting will stall not only the appointments but also other university processes. Former Sudurpaschim University Registrar Yagya Raj Pathak, speaking at an interaction program in Dhangadhi on the Act’s implementation, emphasized the urgency of convening the Assembly immediately.

Dr. Ganesh Singh, former medical officer at Seti Hospital, stressed that holding the Assembly meeting is the most crucial step, noting that other matters will progress only afterward. Former Seti Hospital medical officer Sher Bahadur Kunwar highlighted uncertainty over whether the Assembly, including the Minister of Education, Minister of Health, and relevant secretaries, should convene in Geta or Kathmandu.

INSEC Sudurpaschim Chairman Khadak Raj Joshi called for civil society pressure to expedite the Act’s implementation. Surendra Chand, former head of Kailali Multiple Campus, advocated for the operation of a full-phase hospital in Geta alongside educational programs.

Pushkar Raj Ojha, Vice President of Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed concern that the university has yet to become operational in Geta and urged regional stakeholders to demand its rapid functioning. Maya Prakash Bhatta, founding president of NATA Sudurpaschim, stressed that the university must be established on a fast track.

Literary writer Padam Raj Joshi noted that since the Act was first introduced in 2054 BS, delays have led to repeated setbacks, warning that inaction may perpetuate the same situation. Advocate Gambhir Singh Air stated that the Act, though a matter of pride, remains nonfunctional until implemented.

Civic leader Pramod Pathak emphasized that regional representatives should meet the Prime Minister to ensure the university assembly convenes on time, cautioning against the potential rental of the Geta facility due to government inaction. Professor Bir Bahadur Kadayat said public pressure is essential for progress, while PABSON Vice President Jagbir Thapa highlighted that in Nepal, achievements often require movement and struggle.

Congress leader Padam Raj Joshi and NCP leader Mission Si both urged elected representatives to raise their voices, emphasizing that public awareness and pressure are crucial for the university’s development. Lok Raj Pandey, coordinator of the Shaheed Dasharath Chand Health Sciences University Struggle Committee, concluded that implementing the Act is the immediate priority, after which other processes will follow automatically.