Student unions, professors oppose TU’s decision to extend vacation

Eight student unions affiliated with the agitating political parties and
professors working at the Tribhuvan University (TU) have denounced the
university administration’s decision to extend the winter vacation in all
affiliate campuses in Kathmandu Valley by 11 days.

After a meeting in Kathmandu, the eight student organizations stated that
the decision of the TU administration was taken “at the behest of the
government” which is conducting municipal elections on February 8 despite
boycott from major political parties. A joint statement issued by the
student unions said the TU’s decision is against the right of students..

They also warned to launch protest programs if the decision was not
withdrawn immediately.

The TU administration on Sunday announced to extend the winter vacation,
which ended today (Monday), until February 9, considering the upcoming
municipal polls. There are over 50 thousand students studying in the
university campus and various affiliate public and private colleges.

Meanwhile, the Free Students Unions (FSU) of various campuses in the
Kathmandu Valley including Tribhuvan University, Nepal Commerce Campus and
Patan Multiple Campus also opposed the TU administration’s
“politically-motivated” decision, demanding withdrawal of the decision.

Similarly, the TU unit of the Nepal University Teachers’ Association
(NUTA) in a statement said the administration’s decision is against the
interest of students.

“The politically-biased decision of the TU administration will also affect
the academic calendar,” a statement issued by NUTA’s TU unit said.
nepalnews.com mk Jan 29 06