A three-member search committee, formed to recommend the name for the post of vice chancellor of Kathmandu University, has failed to reach unanimity, creating delay in appointment of the successor of Dr Ram Kantha Makaju who completed his four-year term as the KU VC on Sunday.

The search committee, led by Minister for Education Dhaniram Poudel, has Suresh Raj Sharma, former VC of the varsity, and Daman Nath Dhungana, chairperson of the KU’s Board of Trustees, as members. PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in capacity of the chancellor of KU, will appoint the new VC as per the recommendation of the Poudel-led committee. “We are yet to arrive at consensus on the new VC at KU,” said Poudel.

According to sources, the search committee is zeroing in on three names—Janardan Lamichhane, head of Department of Biotechnology, Bhola Thapa, registrar of KU and Dr Makaju.

While Minister Poudel is for recommending Lamichhane as the new VC, the two members are trying to build consensus on Dr Makaju, saying he can be given one more term.

Sharma said the committee has developed certain criteria for the position of VCs including seniority, management skills and better public relations with donors. “Dr Makaju meets all the criteria,” said Sharma. “But there could be other people with as good experienced as Dr Makaju and they also deserve a chance. Till the time we are in the committee, the selection process will be fair,” he assured.