KATHMANDU: The government has decided to provide security support if any obstruction is faced during the removal of student organisation banners, flags, graffiti and other political structures from university premises.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel has directed that security assistance be mobilised through the Ministry of Home Affairs in case of any law and order challenges during the removal process of student organisations affiliated with political parties.
On April 3, Minister Pokharel held a meeting with 14 vice-chancellors of universities under the coordination of University Grants Commission Chair Devraj Adhikari and instructed them to proceed with the removal of such structures.
According to officials, the vice-chancellors have agreed to the decision to remove student political organisations from university premises. During the discussion, they were also instructed to immediately inform security agencies if any security risks arise during implementation.
The government is also considering the deployment of temporary or permanent security units within university premises if required. For this, a request will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Ministry of Education.
The decision is part of the government’s governance reform agenda, which states that student organisation structures affiliated with political parties must be removed from university campuses within 60 days. The same policy also envisions the establishment of student councils or “voice of students” mechanisms within 90 days.
Meanwhile, student organisations affiliated with various political parties have announced protests, terming the government’s decision undemocratic and an attempt to restrict student political engagement.
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