Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the ex-officio chancellor of Kathmandu University will seek detailed work plans from each of the five nominees vying for the post vice-chancellor before picking one.

He will ask all the nominees to furnish in writing how they are capable of handling the university and what are their plans for four-years as a vice-chancellor to enhance the academics of the institute, according to informed sources. It is likely that all the nominees will be asked to present their work plan on Sunday.

After much delay, the government formed search committee to recommend the nominees for the university VC on Friday submitted names of five candidates to PM Dahal.

The committee has recommended Janardan Lamichhane, Bhola Thapa, Dr Ram Kantha Makaju, Bhadra Man Tuladhar and Mana Prasad Wagle for the post. Dr Makaju is the immediate past VC, while Thapa is Registrar and acting VC of the university. Similarly, Tuladhar is former Registrar, Wagle is former dean of Education Department, while Lamichhane is serving as head of the Department of Biotechnology in the university.

“PM will first seek their plans and appoint the one who proves himself the best for the position,” Education Minister Dhani Ram Poudel pro-chancellor of the university told the Post.

The three-member committee formed in the first week of December could not submit its report on time due to differences among its members over the choice of candidates. While committee’s coordinator Poudel was throwing his weight around Lamichhane, two other members—former VC at KU Suresh Raj Sharma and Chairman of Board of Trustee Damannath Dhungana—were against it. However, they agreed to include Lamichhnane’s name after Minister Poudel was not in the mood to comprise. Lamichhane is considered close to CPN (Maoist Centre) and PM Dahal is also said to be positive on his name.

Contrary to the trend of recommending three names, the committee recommended five names as they could not agree on three. “I agreed on the names as we can’t leave the KU without leadership for long,” said Sharma, adding that he and Dhungana tried hard to avoid politicisation in the nomination. He is hopeful that the PM picks the best candidate after going through their work plans.

“It would be excellent if appointment is done on the basis of the work plan,” said Wagle one of the nominees.  Dr Makaju retired from the post on December 11 after completing his four-year tenure. This is the first time the KU is functioning without a VC since its establishment 25 years ago.