FSU Raises Serious Objection to TU Letter on Removing Party-Affiliated Student Organization Structures
The Free Student Union (FSU - Swatantra Bidyarthi Union), University Campus, Kirtipur, has stated that its serious attention has been drawn to the correspondence issued by the Student Welfare and Sports Directorate of Tribhuvan University, directing the removal of structures of party-affiliated student organizations. The move was opposed through a press release issued by FSU President Dipak Raj Joshi on Asar 15, 2083 BS.
Government Ignorance and an Attack on Autonomy
The press release has described this step by TU as the “height of ignorance” of the current government. It states that university officials failed to inform the government of the reality that organizations such as the Nepal Student Union, ANNFSU, and Akhil (Revolutionary) do not have any physical structures at the university. According to the FSU, this has made it clear that the university is no longer autonomous.
The release expresses serious regret that, instead of being founded on academic freedom and administrative autonomy as its main pillars, the university has become a shadow of the government.
Demand to End the Provision of Prime Minister as Chancellor
The FSU has stated that it has reached the conclusion that, to end the overall disorder in higher education, the provision of the Prime Minister serving as the Chancellor of the university must be abolished. The press release mentions that the Directorate’s correspondence can be taken as a message of direct control and interference by the Prime Minister.
Contempt of the Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court had earlier issued short-term interim orders on Jestha 6, 2083 BS, not to implement the decision of the University Coordination Committee, and on Jestha 22, 2083 BS, not to implement the decision to remove the FSU chairperson from office.
The FSU has concluded that issuing new correspondence in an unlawful manner, in outright mockery of such court orders, is highly condemnable. The press release has also accused the officials of failing to realize that contempt of a Supreme Court order is a punishable act.
Reminder of Elected Representation and Appeal for Student Restraint
The FSU has reminded that, just as the Prime Minister is elected through the votes of the people, its representatives were also elected for two years through a democratic process by receiving the votes of conscious and educated students.
Stating that it has full respect for the rule of law, the impartiality and independence of the judiciary, and constitutional jurisdiction, the FSU has expressed confidence that actions taken against the Constitution, the law, and court orders will be rejected through judicial review and annulled by the Supreme Court.
In this situation, the FSU has earnestly requested all students studying at TU’s constituent and affiliated campuses to maintain restraint, patience, and responsibility.
