Kathmandu, September 21

All Nepal National Independent Students Union-Revolutionary, student wing of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist, has warned of launching stern protests against the government for failing to address its demands.

ANNISU-R had served the government ten-day ultimatum, which expired today, to fulfil its demands.

Dipendra Chalaune, general secretary, ANNISU-R, said, “Despite our ultimatum, the education ministry has failed to meet our demands. Therefore, we are likely to announce stern protest programmes against the government.”

He said that they would likely obstruct movement of government vehicles and boycott government programmes as part of their protests.

The ANNISU-R had earlier announced two-day educational strike on August 15 and 16 to mount pressure on the government to fulfil its 17-point demand. The student union has been demanding enhanced access to education for all, improvement in the quality of education and annulment of the decision to hike fees, among other things.

The government had earlier endorsed the directives and guidelines to regulate private schools, but has failed to implement them. Private schools have been demanding amendment to the directives and guidelines.

The Department of Education has already formed a task force to recommend necessary amendments to the ministry. The agitating student union has also demanded that the percentage of students being provided scholarship be increased.

The union has stated that the trend of appointing university officials on the basis of political power sharing should end.