Kathmandu, May 10 -- Educationists, professors and civil society leaders have criticised the Balendra Shah-led government for introducing university reforms that they claim tighten the prime minister's grip on universities instead of curtailing political interference.

The criticism follows a series of ordinances that removed vice-chancellors, rectors and registrars from 16 universities, along with senior officials from health science academies.

While the government argues that the changes are necessary to end partisan influence and ensure merit-based appointments, critics say the ordinances have centralised power in the hands of the prime minister, who also serves as university chancellor.

The debate has revived long-standing concerns ...