Nepal students protest government ban on unions in universities

Hundreds of students on Friday (May 15, 2026) staged a march in Kathmandu protesting the Nepal Government’s decision to ban student unions in universities across the country.

The government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, recently announced a 100-point action plan under which student unions were barred from functioning in universities, saying educational institutions should not serve as instruments of political parties.

Raising slogans such as “Let’s oppose the ban on student unions”, the protesters criticised the government’s move.

The demonstration, organised to coincide with the 62nd Students Day of Nepali students, began from Tri-Chandra Campus and concluded at RR Campus in Kathmandu.

The protesters also raised slogans demanding protection of university autonomy, guarantee of students’ rights and preservation of freedom of association.

Students belonging to the Nepal Students Union, All Nepal Independent Students Union and other groups took part in the march through the major streets of Kathmandu, expressing anger over the government’s decision.

The student leaders warned that they would not accept any move that, according to them, weakens democratic practices in the country.