Nepal bans student politics, scraps exams up to class five

Nepal's government has undertaken major reform initiatives to free its education system from political influence. Alongside banning student politics in educational institutions, the government has decided to abolish all traditional examinations up to class five.

The decisions were taken during the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed government on Sunday, March 29.

The government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has announced a 100-point reform programme, with the education sector featuring prominently.

According to the government decision, all student organisations affiliated with political parties have been banned in schools and universities. These organisations have been instructed to be removed from educational institutions within a specified timeframe.

In their place, non-political 'Student Councils' will be formed within 90 days to represent students' interests and demands.

Additionally, government officials and teachers have been prohibited from being affiliated with any political party to free the administration from political influence. The government has also decided to abolish party-affiliated trade unions.

To reduce exam pressure on students, internal examinations up to class five have been abolished. Alternative and psychological assessment methods will be introduced instead.

At the university level, timely publication of results according to the academic calendar has been made mandatory to address long-standing session delays.

Analysts believe if these steps are implemented, Nepal's education system could see significant transformation.