Sindhuli Multiple Campus: Resignation, Controversy, and the Quest for New Leadership
December 23, 2023, Sindhuli Multiple Campus, a historic educational institution in the Sindhuli district, found itself at the center of a heated controversy. The saga reached a critical juncture following the acceptance of Campus Chief Sardamani Khadka's resignation on December 17, 2023, fueling intense debates over the next appointment for the Campus Chief role.
With Khadka's departure, Umesh Koirala has stepped in as the acting head of the campus. Koirala, who is also in the running for the permanent position of Campus Chief, is reportedly favored by one faction of the Congress. However, this has sparked opposition from other political groups within the campus. The other side of the Congress, alongside the Maoist Center and the CPN-UML, are advocating for Bhanubhakta Gurung to assume the role.
The campus's political landscape is further complicated by the divided opinions among the student body and the Free Student Union (FSU). While NSU president Krishna Lamichhane appears to be an outlier, the majority of FSU officers, members, and students are rallying behind Gurung. This split has led to escalating tensions among students and within the FSU.
Further stirring the controversy, the role of FSU President Lamichhane has been criticized for its lack of positive contribution to resolving the professor dispute, which is seen as a decision that should be made institutionally rather than individually.
Adding to the campus's unrest, a group of BBA first-year students submitted a petition to Acting Campus Chief Koirala. They expressed dissatisfaction with the teaching methods of professors Dipesh Baral and Santosh Sharma. Lamichhane's involvement in this matter has been controversial, leading to a split within the FSU, with many officials and members distancing themselves from his actions.
The situation escalated when Lamichhane's approach was deemed as having personal motives rather than representing the institutional stance of the FSU. This was highlighted by his alleged use of new students' signatures against the professors for personal agendas.
Amidst this turmoil, disaffected students have actively sought the presence of FSU President Lamichhane for dispute resolution discussions. Their frustration was evident as they posted notices inquiring about his whereabouts and demanding immediate negotiations to resolve the ongoing disputes within three days.
The negative impact of this controversy extends beyond student politics, affecting the mental and moral well-being of the campus's teachers. The administration, led by Acting Chief Koirala, has publicly condemned the trend of taking internal campus issues to social media and the press, emphasizing the need for internal resolution. The statement from the campus administration underscores a growing concern for the security of staff and teachers in light of the widespread media attention.
This situation at Sindhuli Multiple Campus serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within educational institutions and the delicate balance between internal resolution and public discourse.
College News Sindhuli
