Himal Press 
Tribhuvan University (File Photo)
KATHMANDU: Universities across the country have agreed to free university premises from the influence of political parties.
A meeting of the Universities Coordination Committee held on April 3 decided to remove all physical signs of student organisations affiliated with political parties—such as banners, flags, and wall writings—from university premises.
As per the minutes of the meeting made public on Sunday, universities can seek support from security agencies if security challenges arise during the implementation of the decision, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs for that.
Representatives of universities also said they would not provide rooms, buildings, or land to such organisations.
The meeting held in the presence of Education Minister Sashmit Pokharel was chaired by Prof Dr Dev Raj Adhikari, chairperson of the University Grants Commission.
Likewise, the universities have agreed to develop alternative mechanisms, such as a Student Council, within 90 days.
The meeting further decided that if provisions related to party-affiliated student organisations exist in university acts or regulations, proposals for their repeal or amendment will be prepared and submitted to the ministry without delay. In universities where Free Student Unions exist, necessary amendments will be made to develop a new Student Council system.
The meeting also decided to introduce a 24-hour multi-channel system—via phone, mobile app, portal, and social media—to manage grievances and suggestions.
Universities have also agreed to develop a system within 15 days that allows students to download their academic certificates through a mobile app, email, or the Nagarik app. The meeting also directed universities to build result portals to make publication of results more effective and provide transcripts within 15 days of result publication.
Vice chancellors or chiefs of 14 universities participated in the meeting.
