ANNFSU: Conspiracy underway to shift students to private schools under the guise of teachers' protest

KATHMANDU, April 20: The All Nepal National Free Students' Union (ANNFSU), the student wing of CPN-UML, has accused interest groups connected to certain private educational institutions of plotting to undermine public schools under the guise of the ongoing teachers' protest.

In a statement, ANNFSU Chairperson Badal said these interest groups are conspiring to weaken public schools. "Taking advantage of the current protest, some interest groups linked to private educational institutions are trying to weaken public schools and redirect students towards private institutions," he stated.

Badal added that private schools have launched enrollment campaigns with attractive offers as soon as public schools close. He called on the protesting teachers and the government to address the issue, warning that the protest has raised serious concerns about the state of public schools.

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The statement also claimed that private schools have seen an 8 percent annual increase in student enrollment over the past five years. "Each year, nearly 700,000 students leave public schools. As soon as public schools close, private schools open admissions and promote attractive offers," the statement said.

ANNFSU has warned the government, the Teachers' Union, and all stakeholders involved in shaping education policy, stressing that education should not serve the interests of any political group, organization, or government.

"Education is not a game for any group, organization, or government's interests. It is a matter of life and death for more than 5 million students. Safeguarding, improving, and strengthening education is today's primary national concern. Anyone who tries to politicize this will not be forgiven by history. ANNFSU will always fight for students, for education, and for the nation's future," the statement concluded.

ANNFSU also urged that the energy from the protest be directed towards returning to schools and fighting for their demands without involving students in the conflict.