Student politics in Nepal has been a topic of debate for years. With the upcoming Free Student Union (FSU) elections scheduled for March 18 in Tribhuvan University-affiliated colleges, the discussion has once again gained momentum. While student leaders claim to work for the welfare of students, many question whether their involvement is actually damaging the education system rather than improving it.
The Role of Student Political Wings
Nepal’s three biggest political parties—Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (UML), and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center)—have their own student wings:
- All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) – Affiliated with UML
- Nepal Student Union (NSU) – Affiliated with Nepali Congress
- All Nepal Independent Students Union (ANNISU) – Affiliated with Maoist Center
These student wings actively participate in FSU elections, where candidates contest for posts like President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Those elected serve for a period of two years and claim to act as a bridge between students and college administration, raising voices for students’ rights and organizing various activities.
Is Student Politics Beneficial?
While student leaders argue that they work to improve educational institutions, many people believe otherwise. Colleges should be able to manage student affairs without needing political unions. If a university wants to conduct extracurricular activities, why should they rely on politically motivated student groups? Why not create a student help portal where students can directly express their concerns to the administration?
Disruptions and Violence in the Name of Politics
One of the biggest criticisms of student politics is its role in disrupting education. Protests led by student politicians often result in class cancellations, harming students’ studies. There have even been cases where student politicians have physically assaulted teachers and damaged university property. Who will take responsibility for such destruction? Will their parent political parties pay for the damages? Or does joining a student political wing mean getting a free pass to do whatever one wants?
The Influence of Political Parties on Student Elections
Elections in universities should be about students choosing capable representatives. However, in Nepal, political parties pour huge amounts of money into student elections to influence votes. Free picnics, entertainment events, and gifts are used to attract votes. Many students, especially new ones, may not even know the candidates properly but end up voting for those who offer them free incentives. This culture of bribery starts at the student level and continues into national politics.
Teachers in Politics: A Major Concern
The issue is not limited to students alone. Many teachers have also joined political wings, taking orders from higher-level politicians instead of focusing on their primary duty—educating students. The Nepali Education Act clearly states that educational institutions should not become centers for political activities, yet the reality is far from it.
Why Are Students Leaving Nepal ?
Many wonder why an increasing number of Nepali students prefer studying abroad. The answer is simple—education in Nepal has been hijacked by politics. Why would a dedicated student want to deal with constant protests, political fights, and drama instead of focusing on their studies? Worse, many candidates running for student elections don’t even attend classes regularly; they enroll in courses just to participate in politics.
The Shortcut to Power and Corruption
Student politics in Nepal has become a shortcut for young individuals looking for quick success. Instead of gaining knowledge and experience, many see student politics as an easy way to connect with big leaders like KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Once they establish these connections, they become part of the same corrupt system that has kept Nepal underdeveloped for decades. Why work hard and study when one can join politics, gain power, and make money through corruption?
The Need for Reform
While student involvement in politics is not inherently bad, it should be meaningful and responsible. Students should first gain proper knowledge of political science and democracy before stepping into politics. Education institutions should create non-political platforms for student representation so that concerns can be addressed without political interference.
Nepal’s education system is already struggling, and political activities in universities are only making it worse. It is time to rethink the role of student unions and ensure that colleges remain places of learning, not political battlegrounds.
