Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed all universities and academic institutions in the country to immediately remove student and staff organisations affiliated with political parties.
Chairing a three-hour-long meeting with vice-chancellors on Monday at his office, the Prime Minister said that political activities in educational institutions will not be allowed under any circumstances. He instructed that all organisational structures linked to political parties be dismantled without delay.
Shah emphasized that universities, hospitals and schools are “sacred spaces” and must remain free from political influence, party flags, or organisational presence. He further suggested that those interested in active politics should leave their institutional responsibilities and engage in politics full-time.
During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University Prof. Dr. Dhaneshwar Nepal raised concerns, stating that efforts to dismantle student organisations had led to threats and attacks in some cases, raising serious security concerns.
In response, Prime Minister Shah directed vice-chancellors to immediately inform the concerned ministry or the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in case of any security issues. He assured full government support, including security coordination, and said that the police administration would fulfil its responsibilities. He urged university heads to carry out the directive with confidence.
The Prime Minister also instructed universities to strictly adhere to academic calendars and ensure that examination results are published within one month.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Sasmit Pokharel stated that the ministry has already issued instructions to abolish political party-affiliated structures and clarified that existing laws do not hinder their implementation.
During the meeting, Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal said that student and staff organisations have become largely inactive following the “Gen-Z” movement and recent elections.
Vice-Chancellors of Mid-West University, Purbanchal University, and Sudurpaschim University noted that political tensions still persist in some constituent campuses. However, representatives from other institutions said political activity in their universities is minimal and expressed confidence that stricter administrative measures could eliminate remaining political influence from the academic sector.