Talks continue to resolve KU problems

Kavrepalanchowk, Sept 3 . Talks are continued to lift the padlock slapped at the offices of Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Dean for an indefinite period.
Dialogue is continuing for the past three days to address the issues raised by the Dhulikhel-based Kathmandu University Teachers’ Association.

It may be noted that Minster for Education, Science and Technology Girirajmani Pokharel had directed the authorities to address genuine demands of stirring sides and remove the padlock.

The KU University Teachers’ Association had padlocked the offices of Dean of School of Science and School of Engineering since August 8 and the offices of Vice-Chancellor and Registrar and main g.ate of the KU since August 11 for no implementation of several agreements made with KU administration before.

Hem Raj Kafle, Public Information Officer of the KU, shared that discussion was underway on the final point of the four-charter demands put forth by the Association. He further shared discussion was being held on the point to recognize the professional organization of existing university and employees and make it a part of the organizational structure of the university.

“Other three demands were addressed after wider discussion. A meeting of the KU senate has to approve some of the issues”, he added.
Among the demands put forth by the Association include amendment of the KU Act 2048 BS to remove discriminatory provisions and ensure all-inclusive participation, recruitment of university teachers and employees, career development, formulating necessary rules and policies for incentives, addressing the issue of university teachers and employees who have been serving for long on contract or temporary basis and preparation of necessary plans for educational quality improvement of the university.

Issuing a statement, the Association also had appealed to the university teachers and employees to not participate in any times of examinations held in the university.
Dr Bed Mani Dahal, Chairperson of the Association, said they had to padlock the offices of the university in protest of the KU’s apathy towards implementing the past agreements and understandings.

The talks committee from KU comprises Prof Dr Bigyan KC, Dean of the School of Management, as a coordinator and KU administration chief Mukunda Upadhyay and Prof Dr Bal Krishna Luitel as members. Likewise, the protesting association is being represented by chairperson Dahal.in the talks team.