Government Plans to Remove Political Student Unions from Universities
Kathmandu, April 19 — The government is taking steps to deploy security personnel in universities and other educational institutions to dismantle the structures of political party-affiliated student unions. This move comes after a meeting led by Dev Raj Adhikari of the University Grants Commission on April 3. The decision has now been made public, with thirteen vice-chancellors attending and signing the resolution.
Sasmit Pokharel, the minister for education, science, and technology, met with vice-chancellors at his office and directed them to ensure the removal of such organizations. According to the decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs will coordinate security arrangements if challenges arise during the removal process. The resolution allows for temporary or permanent security units to be established within university premises.
Key Points of the Resolution
Point 86 of the good governance reform agenda approved by the Cabinet on March 27 mandates the removal of partisan student structures from university premises within 60 days. Within 90 days, a “Student Council” or “Voice of Students” mechanism is to be developed. The meeting also resolved to neutralize the activities of existing student unions.
“Universities shall no longer provide rooms, buildings, or land for student unions to establish offices. Physical symbols, including banners, flags, and wall paintings, must be removed immediately,” the resolution states. The meeting agreed to repeal any legal provision allowing partisan student unions, with the education ministry set to propose the necessary amendments.
For regulations or bylaws, university executive councils or senates have been instructed to make revisions within 60 days. The meeting also decided to amend laws to replace existing Free Student Unions (FSUs) with Student Councils or “Voice of Students” as the main mechanisms for student representation and welfare.
Reactions from Vice-Chancellors and Student Leaders
Deepak Aryal, vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University, said that while removing student organizations falls within the university’s jurisdiction, the issue is inherently political. “We participated in the ministry’s discussion, but the final decision also includes provisions that were not discussed in that meeting,” he said. Aryal maintained that dismantling student wings should be done in political consensus rather than enforcement measures, suggesting dialogue with political parties as a more viable approach.
He also noted that scrapping the Free Student Union would require amendments to the University Act. “Student organizations have at times disrupted academic activities, but any move to end that must come through political discussion. The organizations themselves also need to reflect on their role,” he added.
Opposition from Student Organizations
Student organizations have opposed the move and announced protests. Fourteen student wings affiliated with major political parties describe the resolve to dismantle student structures in universities and colleges as undemocratic. In a joint statement, organizations linked to the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party, among others, called for an immediate withdrawal of the decision.
Suraj Sejuwal, spokesperson for the Nepal Student Union, accused the government of unnecessary interference. “Student organizations are part of a broader movement, not just physical offices on campuses. There are multiple organizations, yet there is no issue of us occupying land or buildings—so what exactly is being removed?” he said.
Sejuwal argued that even removing banners and signboards would require legal provisions. “Students can put up banners at any time; it is impractical to regulate it thus. We have entered a phase of protests against this decision,” he said. He also criticized the government for prioritizing irrelevant issues over substantive education reforms.
Concerns Over Freedom of Association
Deepak Dhami, chair of the All Nepal National Free Students Union, warned that the use of security forces could escalate tensions. “We were preparing for peaceful protests, but the decision to deploy police on campuses risks confrontation,” he said. He argued that the move undermines constitutional rights, particularly freedom of association.
“Student organizations represent ideological positions, and ideology cannot be banned through administrative decisions. We will continue to protest to defend our organizations,” he added.
On Sunday, student organizations held a joint interaction at Nepal Law Campus with former student leaders and members of parliament to discuss the issue. Their statement reiterated that the right to organize on the basis of ideology is guaranteed by the constitution. They said restricting such rights runs counter to democratic norms and international human rights standards, and warned that it could hinder political socialization among young people.
While acknowledging the need to reform weaknesses within the student movement, the organizations said any attempt to curb freedom of expression and organization in the name of reform is unacceptable. They called for dialogue and cooperation with the government to address existing concerns.
