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Minister for Education, Science and Technology Bidya Bhattarai said recently that officials of Tribhuvan University (TU) have been receiving threats from different people. Through a post on her social media page, she even requested the home ministry for necessary security arrangements for the officials and curbs on hooliganism. 

The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of the head of the Central Department of Sociology of TU has exposed a dangerous trend of threats and intimidation that threatens the very foundations of Nepal's oldest and largest institution of higher learning. The outgoing head, Prof Yubaraj Luintel, had submitted a list of nominees to succeed him at the Dean's office. Sources say the Dean, Prof Kusum Shakya, however, altered the order of the nominees, placing Tikaram Gautam, who was second on the list, in the top position and forwarded the names to higher authorities.

This sparked outrage, particularly from the Nepal Progressive Professors’ Association, which is close to the CPN-UML. The professor accused Dean Shakya of political bias, favoring a candidate allegedly close to the Nepali Congress. The ensuing conflict has escalated to the point where university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Rector and the Registrar, are reportedly receiving threats. The fact that a cabinet minister has to resort to social media to ensure the safety of academics speaks volumes about the breakdown of institutional norms and the infiltration of political bullying into academic spaces.

This is not an isolated incident, though. TU has a history of politically-motivated disruptions. The same department faced similar issues during the appointment of Prof Luintel as its head. Gautam was at the center of that controversy as well. This shows the culture of political interference in academic appointments in the TU is deeply entrenched, with merit and procedures often overlooked over party affiliations.

The repercussions of such actions are far-reaching as they create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among faculty members and administrators. When university officials cannot perform their duties without fear of reprisal, it undermines the entire academic ecosystem. Academic activities will be affected not only in central colleges on TU premises but also in constituent and affiliated colleges across the country. Instead of witnessing a meritocratic and transparent system, students see power plays and threats determining academic leadership. This not only demoralizes students but also erodes their faith in the institution. Such activities discourage talented individuals from enrolling in TU campuses, which affect student numbers that are already on the decline. The impact on the teaching and learning environment is profound. When political agendas overshadow academic priorities, the quality of education inevitably suffers. Resources and energy that should be directed toward improving curricula, research and facilities are instead wasted on political maneuvering and damage control.

The government must take immediate steps to ensure the safety of university officials and thoroughly investigate the threats. Those responsible must be held accountable to send a clear message that intimidation has no place in academic institutions. There is also an urgent need for a comprehensive review and reform of the appointment processes at TU. Clear, transparent and merit-based procedures must be established and strictly adhered to. There should be room for manipulation or political interference. The ministry also needs to take necessary initiatives to safeguard the autonomy of universities by creating a regulatory framework that shields academic institutions from political pressure.

The current crisis at TU is more than just an administrative dispute. It is a symptom of a deeper malaise affecting Nepal's higher education system. It should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders—educators, politicians, students, and citizens—to rally for the protection of academic integrity and the safety of those who uphold it.

The House of Representatives has endorsed the amendments to the transitional justice-related law of 2014. This marks a significant step forward in healing the wounds of the nation’s decade-long armed conflict. Nearly two decades after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) between the government and the Maoist rebels, the consensus among parties on this crucial law offers hope for thousands of conflict victims, who have been awaiting justice for a long time.

Now that the bill has been passed, the hard work of implementation has begun. The formation of two independent, powerful and well-resourced commissions—Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons—will be crucial to the success of this process. The two commissions must have the authority and means to thoroughly investigate human rights violations, establish the truth about past atrocities and recommend appropriate measures for justice and reconciliation.

Nepal’s post-conflict journey has been fraught with challenges. The first justice-related law brought in 2014 courted controversy due to provisions allowing blanket amnesty for serious human rights violations. The Supreme Court’s order for amendments to align the law with international standards led to delay and political maneuvering for years. After a long delay, the government led by then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal registered a bill to amend the 2014 law in parliament in March last year. The three major parties—Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) - then formed a three-member task force to iron out their differences. The task force broke the deadlock last week and paved the way for this legislative breakthrough.

The bill addresses some of the most contentious issues. Arbitrary and cruel killings have now been defined as serious cases of human rights violations. Additionally, the bill allows for reduced sentences of 70-75 percent in certain cases on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. These changes represent a balance between the call for justice and the practical considerations of national reconciliation. As the bill moves to the National Assembly and awaits presidential approval, it is crucial to ensure that the process does not stop here. The legislative process moved ahead even though the ruling coalition and government changed during the period.  Parties need to be lauded for this. However, continuous efforts must be made to engage conflict victims and ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed throughout the justice process.

The passage of this bill is not an end but a beginning. Its success hinges on the commitment of all stakeholders to confront the past, provide justice where due and forge a path toward national healing.

The recent Air Dynasty helicopter crash in Nuwakot, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including four Chinese nationals and a Nepali pilot, is a tragic reminder of the persistent safety issues plaguing Nepal’s aviation sector. This incident, coming just 15 days after the fatal Saurya Airlines crash in Kathmandu, underscores a concerning pattern that demands immediate and comprehensive action.

Nepal’s challenging topography, unpredictable weather, and the aging fleet of aircraft without proper maintenance are often cited as contributing factors to these accidents. However, these challenges, while significant, cannot fully explain the frequency of air crashes in the country. The problem runs deeper, pointing to systemic issues that include inadequate regulatory oversight, lapses in training and maintenance practices that do not meet international standards. Nepal’s airliners have been on the European Commission’s air safety blacklist since 2013 due to significant aviation security concerns. 

The government’s response to the latest crash, the formation of a three-member investigation commission, is a necessary step. However, past experiences have shown that such commissions often produce reports that either fail to identify the root causes or, worse, gather dust. What Nepal needs is a proactive and long-term approach to aviation safety.

There must be a culture of accountability and transparency within the aviation sector. The findings of investigation commissions should lead to concrete action. It is crucial to ensure that the lessons from each tragedy are learned and applied to prevent future occurrences.

The repeated tragedies call for the establishment of a robust, independent aviation safety authority that can enforce stringent regulations, ensure regular and rigorous training for pilots, and mandate the modernization of aircraft fleets. Additionally, there should be an emphasis on improving infrastructure, such as upgrading airport technologies and enhancing weather forecasting systems, to better support safe flights.

Nepal’s reputation as a tourist destination is at stake. Frequent air crashes not only result in tragic loss of life but also erode the confidence of both international and domestic travelers. The government must prioritize aviation safety as a matter of national importance, ensuring that the Nepali skies are safe, adding to the allure of majestic mountains that draw visitors from around the world. 

The lives lost in these tragedies should serve as a wake-up call. It’s time for decisive action, not another investigation report.

Nepal was recognized by the International Olympics Committee in 1963 and made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics serve as a platform for Nepal to showcase its sporting talent on a global stage. However, in these six decades, Nepal’s performance has been subpar, with the country yet to win an Olympic medal, reflecting the challenges faced by its athletes.

In the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, six out of the seven Nepali players have already exited without any medals. Badminton player Prince Dahal, table tennis player Santoo Shrestha, shooter Sushmita Nepal, judoka Manita Shrestha Pradhan, and swimmers Duwana Lama and Alexander Shah have all lost their matches and exited from the competition. Santoshi Shrestha remains in Paris to compete in the marathon, scheduled for Aug 11. Let’s hope she can achieve something for the country.

Though Nepali players didn’t show significant performance in the 2024 Olympics, swimmer Shah set a new national record in the men’s 100 meters freestyle. He improved his own record of 52.17 seconds by completing the distance in 51.91 seconds.

However, our poor performances throughout these decades are not due to the players but rather the stakeholders. 

Nepal lacks world-class training facilities, which hampers the preparation of athletes. Talent identification programs and scouting are essential to find and nurture young athletes. Both government and private sector support are crucial for the development of sports in Nepal but to no avail. Moreover, there is no situation in Nepal where players can sustain themselves by just playing sports. Unless these issues are addressed, there is no way our sporting situation on the world stage will improve.

A significant increase in investment in sports infrastructure and training programs is essential. Such investments will provide athletes with the necessary facilities and resources to hone their skills and compete at an international level. With proper support and development, including access to world-class coaching and competitive opportunities, Nepal can aspire not only to participate but to achieve its dream of winning an Olympic medal in the future.

Despite these challenges, Nepali players are doing everything on their own. Nepal has potential in sports like taekwondo, boxing and athletics, where there has been some success in the Asian Games and other regional competitions. Grassroots development programs can help identify and train young talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of athletes.