KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has instructed vice-chancellors of universities and academic institutions across the country to immediately implement the decision to remove party-affiliated student and staff unions from campuses.
The directive was issued during a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday. The meeting with vice-chancellors of universities and academies across Nepal lasted more than three hours.
Prime Minister Shah stated that political activities should not be allowed in educational institutions under any circumstances. He clarified that no law would obstruct the removal of party-affiliated structures from universities and academic institutions.
Stressing that hospitals, campuses, and schools are “sacred spaces,” Shah said no political party’s flag, influence, or organizational structure would be allowed in such places. He also suggested that individuals interested in politics should step away from their professional responsibilities and engage in politics full-time.
During the discussion, Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University Prof. Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal said that attempts to dismantle student organizations had led to threats and attacks, raising concerns about security.
In response, Prime Minister Shah instructed vice-chancellors to immediately inform the concerned ministry or the Prime Minister’s Secretariat if any security issues arise while removing political structures.
He assured that the government is committed to providing all necessary support, including security coordination, and said the police administration would fulfill its responsibilities. Shah also urged vice-chancellors to confidently carry out their duties.
The prime minister further directed universities to strictly follow the academic calendar and publish examination results within one month.
Similarly, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel said the ministry has already issued instructions to abolish structures affiliated with political parties and that existing laws do not prevent their implementation.
During the meeting, Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal said that student and staff organizations have gradually become inactive following the “Gen-Z” movement and recent elections.
Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University Prof. Dr. Dhruva Kumar Gautam, Vice-Chancellor of Purbanchal University Prof. Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya, and Vice-Chancellor of Sudurpaschim University Prof. Dr. Hemraj Pant said political tensions still persist in some constituent campuses.
Vice-chancellors from other universities and academies, however, said political activities in their institutions are minimal and expressed confidence that stricter administration could help end political influence in the academic sector.
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