Education Minister Pradeep Nepal has said that he is waiting for the Prime Minister to initiate ‘procedures’ to appoint vice chancellors and other senior officials in the universities.

Nepal said he has met with PM a number of times regarding the appointments. He added that he has even drafted a letter to set up recommendation committee. This committee now needs to be formally announced by the PM, in his capacity as the chancellor of the universities.

“I have been putting forth my positions. Now I am waiting (for the PM) to initiate the procedure,” Nepal told reporters on Thursday.

It was reported that major parties had reached understanding to appoint VCs in four big universities – Tribhuwan University (TU), Pokhara University , Purbanchal University and Nepal Sanskrit University. As per the understanding, UML is said to have been given the chance to nominate VC for TU – the largest university.

“Now you should ask the PM about these appointments. I have done my bit,” Nepal said.

As the universities have remained without VCs and senior officials for nearly one year now, their crucial administrative functions have been hindered.