newly-elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah has rejected criticism of his ban on trade and student unions linked to political parties, insisting the move would not infringe on rights.
The 36-year-old rapper-turned- politician was elected in March in the first polls since deadly anti-corruption protests last year toppled the government.
On the recommendation of Shah’s Cabinet, President Ram Chandra Paudel issued ordinances over the weekend banning civil service trade unions and student organisations affiliated with political parties.
Lokesh Kumar Khadka, president of Free Student Union at Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus, said “all the student unions condemn this decision ... This is completely wrong”.
“The prime minister is displaying a dictatorial nature by not giving space to free political ideology within universities.”
Shah said in a social media post on Tuesday that the ban would “strengthen professional freedom” by prioritising merit over “party affiliation” in public sector appointments and promotions. — AFP
