The administration says it is moving quickly to reform the state, but a series of controversial decisions, delayed crisis responses and accusations of bypassing institutions have fuelled criticism over its commitment to democratic norms.

Students from grades 9 to 12 pay thousands of rupees in government-imposed charges every year, even as the constitution and the Act Relating to Compulsory and Free Education guarantee free education up to the secondary level.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah directs newly appointed vice-chancellors to enforce free scholarships for disadvantaged and meritorious students while curbing political activities on campuses.

More than 250 teachers and staff are believed to have failed to return after taking fully paid study leave abroad, leaving Nepal’s largest university with estimated losses exceeding Rs1.5 billion.

Detentions of activists supporting flood-affected squatters and critics of the government have sparked criticism from rights advocates, while police say they acted only against those obstructing law enforcement.

Regulations require cash deposits, tighter licensing process, affiliation criteria and compulsory Nepal Studies courses.

Revised education regulations expand local governments’ powers over schools, tighten teacher transfer rules, reform school governance and introduce stronger safeguards for students.

Sasmit Pokharel’s tenure has seen faster exam results, policy moves and curriculum reforms, but critics say weak coordination, contested decisions and limited progress on structural change marked his 100 days.

FSU presidents from Kathmandu campuses demand the Prime Minister’s removal as university chancellor, accusing the government of interfering in university affairs.

Over 32,000 grade 12 students apply for retotalling, while SEE re-evaluations alter results for more than 5 per cent of applicants, raising concerns over exam accuracy.

DMLI holds UML vice-chair Paudel for seven days after statements from businessmen in Deepak Bhatta-linked probe.

New provisions permit up to 57 advisers and 153 secretariat staff across ministries, reversing an earlier drive to reduce such appointments.

Decision to scrap foreign technical support comes amid printer breakdown, server failures, and mounting card-production backlog.

Education ministry figures show that 749,392 students are currently enrolled in universities and academies across the country.

Officials describe a Monday at Singha Durbar that left a constitutional body cornered, a foreign ambassador fuming, and a long-stalled investigation suddenly moving fast.