UML’s move to downsize organization sparks debate

KATHMANDU: A recent decision by the CPN-UML has stirred discussions among party leaders and sister organizations. In a meeting held at the party headquarters in Chyasal on Sunday, the CPN-UML Secretariat decided to reduce the number of members in the secretariat of sister organizations to nine. The meeting also decided to dissolve the standing committees of sister organizations and directed leaders to streamline other central structures.

The decision to restructure and reduce the size of office-bearers of sister organizations has created a significant buzz within the party. According to the new arrangement, the leadership structure of sister organizations will include a chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, including at least one woman, a general secretary, a deputy general secretary, and three secretaries responsible for publicity, foreign affairs, and organization, along with a treasurer responsible for financial matters.

The Secretariat also decided that sister organizations can have only the Central Committee and the Central Secretariat. Likewise, the size of the central committee has been limited to 155 members.

The decision to form a single-digit committee under the pretext of making sister organizations more efficient has made a direct impact on ANNFSU (All Nepal National Free Students’ Union) and the Nepal Youth Federation Nepal (NDYN) which are among the most active sister organizations of UML. Both organizations are preparing for their general conventions. ANNFSU has scheduled its general convention for May, while the Youth Association aims to hold its convention by April.  The directive to streamline the organizational structure, at a time when preparations for these conventions are in full swing, has raised concerns among leaders aspiring for central positions.

“Many have started seeking votes with the hope of advancing from the provincial level to the center. But with the structure being downsized, there is uncertainty about where they will fit in,” said one ANNFSU aspirant. “The competition will be tougher. Representatives may not even recognize candidates from outside Kathmandu, creating further confusion about whether to contest or not.”

At present, both organizations have a 20-member secretariat, including three departmental heads. Both the organizations have large Central Committees. The directive to downsize the central committee to 151 members will impact the general convention, say leaders. “Many aspirants had been preparing based on the existing structure, and with its downsizing, the younger generation is expected to bear the brunt of these changes,” said one leader.

Niroj Paudel, secretary of the NYFN, however, feels that the decision will have a positive effect on sister organizations. “The trend of holding positions just for the sake of it will decrease,” he said. “If someone is active, they still have a chance to be elected through geographic representation. There will be now place for leaders without a strong base.”

There is also an expectation of fierce competition for leadership positions within ANNFSU. “Previously, some positions could be filled through consensus. Now, with multiple aspirants for each position, the competition will be much tougher,” said an ANNFSU leader. “It seems that the party is sending a message that no one will be given a role automatically—they must prove themselves through competition.”

In the previous general convention, there were 16 aspirants for the four vice-chairperson positions of the ANNFSU. Now, there will be only two positions, with one reserved for a woman. There will now be more than two dozen aspirants for a single position in the ANFNSU. Leaders say the situation will be the same in NFYN.