Nepal's Prime Minister Orders Removal of Political Associations from Universities

Prime Minister of Nepal, Balendra Shah, has instructed university chancellors and heads of educational institutions to eliminate all political associations linked to parties. During a meeting held at his office on Monday, he emphasized the immediate implementation of this directive, urging the removal of student and staff unions associated with political parties from campuses. In a lengthy three-hour discussion, the Prime Minister asserted that political activities should not be permitted under any circumstances within educational institutions. According to his office, he clarified that no legal barriers would obstruct the removal of party-affiliated structures from universities and educational establishments.

Stressing that hospitals, campuses, and schools are 'sacred spaces,' Shah declared that no political party flags, influence, or organizational structures would be allowed in these areas. He also suggested that individuals interested in politics should step away from their professional responsibilities to fully engage in political activities. During the discussion, Prof. Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, reported that efforts to dismantle student organizations have led to threats and attacks, raising security concerns. Prime Minister Shah instructed the chancellors to promptly inform the relevant ministry or the Prime Minister's office if any security issues arise during the removal of political structures. He assured them that the government is committed to providing all necessary support, including security coordination, and stated that the police administration would fulfill its responsibilities. Shah encouraged the chancellors to carry out their duties with complete confidence.

The Prime Minister further directed universities to strictly adhere to the academic calendar and ensure that examination results are published within a month.

Similarly, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sasmita Pokhrel, mentioned that the ministry had already issued directives to dismantle structures associated with political parties, asserting that existing laws do not hinder their implementation.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal, Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, noted that following the 'Gen-Z' movement and recent elections, student and staff organizations have gradually become inactive. Vice-Chancellors Prof. Dr. Dhruv Kumar Gautam from Mid-West University, Prof. Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya from Purvanchal University, and Prof. Dr. Hemraj Pant from Sudurpashchim University acknowledged that some political tensions still exist on campuses. However, other university heads expressed that political activities are minimal in their institutions and conveyed optimism that stricter administration could help eliminate political influence in the academic sector.