Strategies to Control Political Activism among Nepalese University Students
Student politics can be a valuable tool for aspiring politicians to build networks and understand political dynamics. However, when it becomes a widespread problem that disrupts academic processes, it can significantly harm educational achievement and the overall university environment. In Nepal, a handful of politically affiliated students often hijack the decision-making process, leading to massive disruptions that affect the majority of students who may not share their views.
Understanding the Context
As observed in the United States and the United Kingdom, a more regulated and voluntary form of student activism typically benefits the student community. However, in Nepal, the politicization of students is a pervasive issue. Despite the aims of a few to use student activism to form a cadre of politically inclined individuals, many students are forced into this environment against their will, leading to widespread academic disruption and violence.
Effective Strategies to Combat Student Politics
To effectively address the issue of student politics, several measures can be implemented at both institutional and governmental levels to discourage the politicization of students and promote academic integrity:
1. Increase Tuition Fees
As a small country, Nepal has limited financial resources. However, lowering tuition fees to accommodate the poor can inadvertently lead to a rise in political activism. Private schools and colleges where tuition fees are high tend to have fewer political disturbances. Raising tuition fees to a level that is still affordable but discourages students from being politically active can be beneficial.
2. Enforce Frequent and Rigorous Exams
A frequent and rigorous examination system can incentivize students to focus on their studies rather than engage in political activities. Examinations should be designed to test students' knowledge and understanding rather than their political alignment. This shift will help in maintaining academic integrity and preventing students from prioritizing political activities over their education.
3. Regulate and Punish Extortionate Funding
Students often collect donations from educational institutions and commercial entities under various names. This extorted money is used to support the political activities of a few students and their lavish lifestyles. Such extortion should be strictly criminalized, and strict enforcement of the law is necessary to curb this practice. This will force students to focus on their academic achievements rather than on political agendas.
4. Halt Government Financing of Students and Student Bodies
The government provides financial assistance to students under various programs, which often includes scholarships and rewards. These programs are frequently exploited by students from well-off families and pose a significant risk to academic integrity. Ending government funding for such purposes will limit the resources available for students to engage in political activities and ensure that financial assistance is directed to those genuinely in need.
5. Eliminate Fake Jobs with Real Pay
Many political parties provide fake jobs to students that are not aligned with any real academic or professional responsibilities. These students receive real salaries for these fake jobs, which allows them to focus on political activities rather than their studies. Curtailing such positions and ensuring that students only receive real support for their academic pursuits will help prevent politicization and encourage students to focus on their education.
6. Implement Prompt Action against Absent Students
Hostels and universities should not allow students to remain inactive or absent from classes without a valid reason for extended periods. This policy will target those students who are the primary organizers and beneficiaries of political activities within the university. By enforcing attendance policies, universities can create an environment where academic progress is prioritized over political activism.
Conclusion
Controlling political activism among Nepalese university students requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing tuition fees, enforcing rigorous academic evaluations, and implementing stringent measures to regulate political funding and jobs. By focusing on academic integrity and ensuring that students are committed to their studies, universities can create a better educational environment for all students, regardless of their political affiliations.