Liberating academia from partisan politics

For that, we must implement merit-based selection process in top positions.

The ongoing debates regarding the appointment of Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor (VC) indicate that academia must be freed from partisan control. Political appointments have been the norm for far too long, and it is time for a change. After years of politicised appointments, there is a serious debate on merit-based selection of a VC that could be a light in the tunnel. However, merely replacing the VC may not be effective if political patrons continue to dominate campus gates. It is high time we implemented a merit-based selection process and liberated campuses from any political influence, including the party-affiliated organisations of university teachers, employees, and students.