Nepal PM Orders Universities to Implement 10% Scholarship Rule

Prime Minister and Chancellor of Universities Balendra Shah has directed newly appointed vice-chancellors to strictly implement a mandatory 10% scholarship provision across all universities and their campuses. The instruction came during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar on Tuesday with vice-chancellors from seven universities, including Tribhuvan University.

Beyond scholarships, Shah urged universities to remove party-affiliated student organizations, ensure timely examinations and result publication, protect university land from encroachment, and end political appointments. The goal is to foster an environment conducive to learning and academic work.

Vice-chancellors present at the meeting confirmed the prime minister's focus on the 10% scholarship rule and the cessation of political activities within universities. Following the directive, several universities, including Tribhuvan University and Pokhara University, have issued circulars to their affiliated campuses to implement the scholarship scheme. While some universities already had scholarship provisions in their acts or rules, the directive aims for uniform and equitable implementation, particularly for deserving students and targeted groups.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat stated that the vice-chancellors committed to keeping teachers, employees, and students away from partisan politics and encouraging a focus on academic activities. They also pledged to adhere to academic calendars, improve administrative and financial systems, strengthen good governance, and enhance transparency.

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We briefed the prime minister about the condition of our universities. He shared his views after listening to us. His main concerns were the implementation of the ten percent scholarship provision and ending political activities inside universities.