Prime Minister Directs Vice Chancellors to Remove Political Student and Staff Organizations
April 20, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has instructed vice chancellors of universities and health-related educational institutions nationwide to immediately dismantle all political student and staff organization structures within their institutions under any circumstances. This directive came during an extensive discussion lasting approximately three and a half hours held on Monday at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office with vice chancellors from across the country.
Prime Minister Shah emphasized that political activities should not be conducted within educational institutions under any pretext and affirmed that no legal provisions should obstruct the removal of political organizational structures. He stated that hospitals, campuses, and schools are sacred spaces where no political party’s flag, influence, or organization should be allowed. If individuals wish to engage in politics, he suggested they separate themselves entirely from their professional duties and devote themselves fully to political activities.
During the discussion, Professor Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, voiced concerns about facing threats and attacks when attempting to remove student organizations. In response, Prime Minister Shah instructed that if any security issues arise while dismantling political organizations, the relevant ministry or his secretariat must be immediately informed.
Prime Minister Shah assured that the government remains committed to providing the necessary support, including security arrangements, and that police administration will fully perform its duties. He also urged vice chancellors to confidently fulfill their responsibilities. Furthermore, he issued strict instructions to adhere completely to the academic calendar and to publish examination results within one month.
Similarly, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, noted that the ministry has already directed the abolition of organizations affiliated with political parties and clarified that legislation does not impede this process.
During the discussion, Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, reported that student and staff organizations have gradually become inactive following the JNU protests and subsequent elections. However, Vice Chancellors Dr. Dhruv Kumar Gautam of Mid-Western University, Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya of Eastern University, and Dr. Hem Raj Pant of Sudurpaschim University stated that tension related to student politics persists in some constituent campuses. Vice chancellors from other universities and institutions expressed that political activities are minimal in their establishments and expressed confidence that strict administration can end politics in educational environments.