Koshi Province Scout members slam dissolution of Nepal Scout Councils as unlawful

Elected members of the National Council of Nepal Scout from Koshi Province have jointly condemned the government's decision to dissolve Nepal Scout's National, Provincial, and Local Councils. They issued a press statement labeling the move illegal and a violation of due process.

The dissolution, announced via Nepal Scout's official Facebook page, was reportedly ordered by the Prime Minister, in his capacity as Patron of Nepal Scout, along with the Minister for Education and Sports, the Chief Scout. The statement from the Koshi Province members highlights that the dissolved councils were formed through elections held in Magh 2080 B.S., following a 12-year hiatus. These elections were overseen by an Election Committee appointed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and monitored by observers from the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), who deemed them free, fair, and democratic.

The signatories assert that their four-year term, beginning on Magh 27, 2080 B.S., is legally protected under the Nepal Scout Act 2050 and its regulations. They argue that neither the Prime Minister nor the Education Minister possesses the legal authority under the Act to dissolve these elected bodies. Instead, they contend that only provincial ministers and local mayors or chairs have the power to act upon Provincial and Local Committees.

Furthermore, the statement claims that the formation of an "Interim National Executive Committee," reportedly sworn in on Shrawan 8, contravenes a Supreme Court mandamus order. This order, issued in the case of Lok Bahadur Bhandari v. Ministry of Youth and Sports, specifically prohibited the establishment of ad-hoc committees within Nepal Scout. The Koshi Province members view this action as an impediment to a youth development movement operating across all 753 local units and seven provinces. They have formally requested the Prime Minister and the Education Minister to retract the decision immediately. Additionally, they have appealed to provincial chief ministers, social development ministers, and local leaders to intervene, warning that Scouters nationwide will initiate protest programs if the decision is not reversed.