Nepal lawmaker challenges Kumar Nagarkoti’s appointment as Academy Chancellor

CPN-UML lawmaker Bhumika Limbu has challenged the appointment of litterateur Kumar Nagarkoti as Chancellor of the Nepal Academy during a session of the House of Representatives. Limbu raised concerns regarding Nagarkoti’s past remarks and views concerning women, questioning whether his appointment is appropriate for an institution dedicated to preserving Nepal’s language, literature, and culture.

Limbu also criticized the transparency of the selection process. She alleged that while applications were invited three months ago, the recommendation committee and the ministry appeared to collect names internally before making the final list public. The lawmaker demanded that the government release the shortlist of applicants and argued that a candidate’s moral conduct and public record should be weighed alongside academic qualifications.