Tribhuvan University's Contract Teachers: A Controversial Transition to Permanent Positions

Tribhuvan University (TU), Nepal's oldest and largest academic institution, has recently been at the center of a significant controversy. The university's decision to make contract teachers permanent has sparked debates and concerns among various stakeholders.

Key Developments:

• Historical Context: Post the mass movement of 2062/063, the government led by Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala initiated the process of transitioning contract teachers in TU to permanent positions. This move was a response to the hunger strike by part-time teachers, which was eventually broken by the government's intervention.

• Amendment of TU Teacher Staff Service Rules 2050: The 64th meeting of TU on June 12th decided to amend the TU Teacher Staff Service Rules 2050. This amendment allows contract teachers, from special internal to vice professor posts, to be made permanent.

• Criteria for Permanent Positions: The revised rules state that only teachers who have been working continuously for 10 years in temporary or contract service with the central office's approval can compete for the post of deputy professor. This change means that around 300 contract teachers will transition to vice-principal roles.

Concerns Raised:

• Quality of Education: Prada Rajkumar Pokharel, former assistant dean of Faculty of Humanities of TU, expressed concerns that making these teachers permanent might compromise the educational, academic, and research standards of TU.

• Blocking New Talent: The move is seen as a barrier for 300 potential new educators who wish to join TU. Critics argue that this could stagnate the influx of fresh ideas and perspectives.

• Historical Precedents: Prada Pokharel highlighted that during Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's tenure in 2064, the government had previously responded to demands by making contractual appointments. This move had resulted in the creation of 900 deputy professor posts.

• Administrative Delays: Pokharel also shared his experience as the coordinator of the appointment committee, revealing that TU failed to provide necessary details to the Ministry of Finance by the end of 2017, leading to further complications.

• Legal Battles: The decision to make contract teachers permanent was challenged in court as illegal. However, the bench led by Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha ruled in favor of the process in 073.

The decision to transition contract teachers to permanent roles in Tribhuvan University remains a contentious issue. While the move aims to recognize the long-standing service of these educators, concerns about the quality of education and the potential blocking of new talent persist. As the debate continues, it's essential to prioritize the university's academic standards and the future of its students.