Student organizations warn of Textbook Revisions for Commission

Dhangadhi: Students in remote areas of the Far West Himalayan region have completed their academic session this year without textbooks due to a worsening book shortage. Despite the government using the same textbook continuously, they insist on printing new textbooks every year, resulting in a large expenditure on textbooks. However, the government could save money and provide textbooks on time by setting up a book bank in every school, where students can return textbooks received in good condition and receive 25 to 50 percent of the cost of the textbook. This system would also encourage students to take care of books.

The Federation of Book and Stationery Traders in Sudurpaschim estimates that 2 million textbooks are needed across the state in one academic session. However, even after six months, only 60 percent of the required textbooks have reached the students. Kanchanpur student organizations have warned government and private schools not to bully under any pretext, including admission fees, textbooks, and mid-day meals.

Five student organizations in the district have issued a joint press release on the eve of the new academic session, warning against irregularities in various areas. The organizations include the Congress-affiliated New Union, the UML-affiliated Aneraswiyu, the All-Revolutionary Union of the Maoist Center, the United Socialists-unaffiliated NRSU (Nepal Revolutionary Student Union), and the Republican Democratic Students' Union. They have requested private schools not to increase their fees or change textbooks, while also calling for the implementation of the 45 percent discount that students receive in transportation.

The student organizations have also given an ultimatum to unregistered tuition centers, coaching centers, and language teaching centers to operate only after being duly registered. Finally, they have requested the district administration and the campus administration to complete self-government elections by the 30th of Chait in the campuses where elections could not be held at the scheduled time.