News Summary
The government is implementing a policy to remove partisan student and staff organizations from universities, with Prime Minister Balen directing vice-chancellors to enforce this. Prime Minister Balen emphasized that political activities have no place in educational institutions and stated there are no legal obstacles to dissolving partisan groups. Vice-chancellors advised the Prime Minister to inform the relevant ministry of any security issues encountered during the removal of political organizations.
April 20, Kathmandu – The government has reinforced its stance to abolish partisan student and employee organizations in universities. According to Item 86 of the government-approved administrative reform agenda, structures of partisan student organizations in universities will be dismantled within 60 days, and new student councils or voice-of-student mechanisms will be developed within 90 days. Prime Minister Balen has once again issued directives to ensure this implementation on Monday.
At Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister held discussions with university vice-chancellors, issuing strict instructions to immediately dissolve partisan student and staff organizations. He told the vice-chancellors, “Political activities are prohibited in educational institutions, and no law prevents the removal of partisan organizations. Flags, influence, or organizational presence of any political party will not be allowed in hospitals, campuses, or schools as these are sanctified places. Anyone who wishes to engage in politics must fully commit to it and separate themselves from their professional responsibilities.”
During the three-hour discussion, vice-chancellors raised various challenges from their own universities with the Prime Minister. Issues ranged from student political leadership to problems in health insurance at hospitals. Professor Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, reported facing threats and attacks while attempting to abolish student organizations.
Prime Minister Balen requested that any difficulties encountered in dissolving these groups be immediately reported to the relevant ministry or secretariat for security reasons. “The government is committed to providing security arrangements and other necessary support,” he emphasized. He also encouraged vice-chancellors to confidently perform their duties with the support of police administration.
Education, Science and Technology Minister and university vice chancellor Sasmit Pokhrel confirmed that instructions have already been issued to remove organizations affiliated with political parties. Tribhuvan University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal noted that following the Gen Z movement and recent elections, student and staff organizations have gradually become inactive, aligning university operations with government policy. He stated, “With many universities, the government needs to make policy decisions on how best to advance and manage each.”
Vice Chancellors Dr. Dhruvakumar Gautam (Mid-Western University), Dr. Bijukumar Thaplia (Purbanchal University), and Dr. Hemraj Pant (Far-Western University) mentioned that some campuses still experience political tension among students. They emphasized that reducing political activities and strict administration are the ways to end politics within educational institutions. Additionally, issues have arisen due to unpaid health insurance funds at hospital facilities.
“The current situation at NAMS, problems with insurance, and withheld funds are causing difficulties, which I am trying to resolve,” informed Vice Chancellor Bhupendra Kumar Basnet, who also raised concerns regarding a newly constructed building in Duwakot.
Prime Minister Shah has directed that the academic calendar be completed on time and exam results published within one month. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to support universities regardless of challenges faced. A vice chancellor participating in the discussion noted, “The Prime Minister has promised to assist with any problems that arise.”
