Student Organizations Should Be Properly Regulated, Not Banned

Summary: Before deciding to dissolve student organizations, the government should engage in dialogue with six national political parties. It is emphasized that student groups must be allowed open discussions on political and social issues, viewing these as ideological debates. A plan has surfaced to remove student organizations by deploying security units in universities, which is seen as contrary to Panchayat-era policies and a violation of institutional autonomy.

The conversation about dissolving student organizations is ongoing. However, I don’t fully understand the implications of such a move. There are reports that displaying flags in universities will be prohibited. But what difference would it make if flags aren’t displayed? Some groups, like the Nepal Student Union (Nevisangh), might welcome this, while others such as the All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Akhil) would oppose it. This debate will continue, but most other groups will likely remain passive. Even during the Panchayat regime, there were no signboards, yet organizations operated. A similar situation might arise again. Instead of making unilateral decisions, the government should hold discussions with the six national parties and others.

Student organizations are demanding the right to engage in political dialogue. Politics involves ideological debates. Questions such as whether there are leftists in Nepal or not; whether people are democratic or not; whether the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) is leftist or democratic; whether they lean centrist-right or centrist-left; what political stance Balen holds; what the prime minister’s ideological views are; and whether authority will be extended to the people or restricted—all must be openly discussed. This is what ideological debate means.

This is the core issue. In my view, the proposed ‘Student Council’ or ‘Student Voice’ initiatives are insufficient because they focus only on academic matters and exclude political and social subjects. International practices also reflect this. Therefore, these forums can be strengthened further. Currently, 14 student organizations have expressed opposition, and teachers have also voiced disagreement. If forced, where does the spirit of democracy reside?

However, during the Panchayat era, this situation did not exist. Universities are autonomous institutions, and since the Panchayat period, there has been a policy against deploying police within campuses. The idea of using force is inappropriate. Another point is that student organizations have become excessively politicized. Proper regulation is necessary, not prohibition. It is important to guide students towards creative and productive activities.

Therefore, let us avoid confrontation. The solution lies not in bans but in dialogue on regulation.