ANNFSU wants colleges shut for polls

Kathmandu, March 11:

The student wing of CPN-UML, ANNFSU, today asked the government to close colleges affiliated with various universities and higher secondary schools for at least 18 days before the constituent assembly election, so as to facilitate the mobilisation of students, who the organisation said are change agents, for the polls.

The student organisation called for the closure of the said educational institutions from March 23 to April 12. “Students have a historic responsibility on them to inform the people about the transformation of the nation through CA polls,” said Thakur Gaire, president of the Union, at a press conference here today. “So they need to go to their villages in advance and begin discussion with the people about the change.”

He also said the holidays could be adjusted by reducing summer vacation. The union also asked the government and transport entrepreneurs to provide 50 per cent concession to students on transportation fare at least during March 23 to April 12. Gaire also asked the government to scrap load shedding from 7pm-11 pm so that the SLC examinees could prepare well for SLC exams that begin from March 17.

He also condemned the announcement by private schools to increase the fees. “At a time when political parties, through their election manifestoes, are expressing commitment to free education up to secondary level, private schools have announced that they would increase the fees,” Gaire said, adding, “We ask both the party leaders and the government to declare free education up to secondary level.”

He also raised concerns about the inadequate supply of petroleum products.

He asked the government control the black market and ensure smooth supply of the petroleum products.

The union also said UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal would inaugurate the union’s Gau Farkau (Let’s return to villages) campaign on March 13.