PM Shah Issues Firm Directive to Depoliticize Universities
Kathmandu — Prime Minister Balendra Shah has issued a strong directive to vice-chancellors to immediately remove the structures of party-affiliated student and employee organizations from universities and health educational institutions across the country. He gave the instruction after a three-and-a-half-hour discussion held today with the vice-chancellors of universities and academies nationwide at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Reiterating his stance on making educational institutions free from politics, Prime Minister Shah made it clear that no party flag, influence, or organization would be allowed in sacred spaces such as hospitals, campuses, and schools. He said that no law would stand in the way of dismantling partisan organizational structures and suggested that anyone who wishes to engage in politics should step away from professional responsibilities and devote themselves fully to politics. This directive has come as part of the Prime Minister’s ambitious 100-point reform plan.
During the discussion, the vice-chancellors informed the Prime Minister that political activities on campuses have slowed after the Gen Z movement and the election, and that efforts are underway to remove partisan organizations. Professor Dr. Deepak Aryal, Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, said that student and staff organizations are gradually becoming inactive. However, Professor Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal, Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, complained of insecurity, saying that attempts to remove student organizations had instead led to threats and attacks.
Responding to the security concerns raised by the Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, Prime Minister Shah instructed vice-chancellors to immediately inform the concerned ministry or his secretariat if any security problem arises while removing political organizational structures. He said the government is committed to providing all necessary support, including security arrangements, and stated that the police administration would fulfill its duty. He urged vice-chancellors to carry out their responsibilities with confidence.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmita Pokharel also made it clear that since the ministry has already issued instructions to dissolve organizations affiliated with political parties, the law does not prevent their implementation.
During the discussion, Professor Dr. Dhruva Kumar Gautam of Mid-West University, Professor Dr. Biju Kumar Thapaliya of Purbanchal University, and Professor Dr. Hemraj Pant of Sudurpashchim University said that tensions related to student politics still persist in some constituent campuses. Vice-chancellors of other universities and academies, however, said that political activity in their institutions is minimal and expressed confidence that politics in the education sector can be ended if the administration remains strict.
Likewise, Prime Minister Shah has also issued a strict directive to fully comply with the academic calendar and examination system and to publish results within one month of completing examinations. This step is expected to support improvements in university quality and the timely publication of results.
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