Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government has introduced an ordinance to remove partisan politics from the education sector and bureaucracy.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Shah said student organisations have long been driven by partisan interests, which he said has undermined the core purpose of education. “Partisan politics has distorted both students and the bureaucracy,” he said. “When access and party affiliation are valued more than merit, public trust in the education system weakens,” he wrote.
Shah further added that restricting political flags and activities within educational institutions will not curtail students’ rights; rather, it will help create a more independent and dignified academic environment. “Banning party flags in educational institutions will strengthen professional autonomy,” he said.
The Prime Minister also wrote that appointments, opportunities, and evaluations in the education sector should now be based on merit, competence and due process, rather than political proximity. “If students are to learn politics, let them learn it from teachers—not from crowds of party loyalists,” he said. “We aim to develop a civil, responsible, and idea-based political consciousness.”
He claimed that the move is not targeted against any political party but is intended to reform the education system. “This is an effort to protect the system; it is an effort to safeguard the future,” he said. “Our goal is to free educational institutions from partisan encroachment.”
