Kathmandu, March 31 -- Student leaders have voiced strong objections after the government unveiled a plan on March 28 to remove party-affiliated student organisations from schools and universities.

The government's 100-point work plan was approved by the Cabinet on Friday, shortly after Rastriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balendra Shah assumed office as prime minister, and released on Saturday.

Under the plan, all structures of political student organisations in educational institutions are to be dismantled within 60 days. The government argues that the move is necessary to address declining academic standards, excessive political interference in education, and the failure of existing student groups to represent students' concerns. ...