The Free Student Union (FSU) serves as a unified voice for students throughout their educational journey, empowering them to challenge societal inequities and injustices. Its origins trace back to the Jayatu Sanskritam Movement of 1947, led by students from Rani Pokhari Sanskrit Pradhan Pathshala and Tindhara Pathshala. This movement sought to create a democratic environment against the autocratic Rana regime and revive Sanskrit literature. The first FSU election was held in 1962 at Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, marking the beginning of student unions' significant role in shaping Nepal’s political landscape.
Since then, student unions have been at the forefront of movements to end ‘Ranarchy’. On 15 Dec 1960, King Mahendra dissolved Nepal’s first democratically elected parliament, jailed then-Prime Minister BP Koirala, and seized executive power through a coup. The subsequent ban on political parties created fertile ground for student politics at the university level, which eventually contributed to the establishment of a democratic system led by elected representatives. In the past, student unions made immense sacrifices—offering their blood, sweat, and tears—to bring about transformative change in the country. However, in today’s context, observing how the FSU operates, it might be more aptly termed a ‘Not So Free Student Union: Political Conditions May Apply’.
While the FSU continues to play a role in national discourse, its primary mission should be addressing the immediate concerns of its academic communities. Redirecting focus toward campus-specific challenges—such as improving educational quality, ensuring timely exams and result publication, upgrading infrastructure, and tackling issues like sexual harassment, bribery, and corruption—would allow these unions to fulfill their core purpose.
Another pressing issue is the ticketing and hierarchical system within student unions. Each college hosts multiple unions, such as NSU and ANNFSU, each with its own central committee. These committees are directly tied to their respective political party headquarters, undermining their autonomy. Movements and initiatives are often controlled by these central committees, as is the ticketing system for FSU elections.
Why should central committees, which are affiliated with political parties, have the authority to handpick candidates? Instead, individuals who wish to stand for election could nominate themselves, and union members could vote to select their candidates. The current system prioritizes money, power, and connections with top leaders over an individual’s skills, experience, and merit.
Historically, education in Nepal was seen as the most powerful tool for change, though it was not accessible to all. Student unions played a pivotal role in advocating for education for the common people. However, today, these unions often deprive students of education, behaving more like stubborn children demanding their wishes be fulfilled at any cost.
Instances of violence during FSU elections have become alarmingly normalized. Padlocking universities, canceling or postponing elections, issuing death threats, throwing stones, brandishing khukuris, splashing black ink on university officials, and destroying polling stations are just some examples. These actions are often justified as the "play of politics," whether to push demands or out of fear of losing elections. Regardless of the validity of their demands, shouldn’t debate, discussion, and discourse be the preferred tools for resolution rather than violence?
While organizing cultural and sports programs by these unions is commendable, these events often devolve into thinly veiled political showcases. Prominent leaders are invited to promote their ideologies while belittling rival unions, turning what should be genuine celebrations into platforms for political grandstanding.
In conclusion, the FSU and other student unions must refocus on their foundational purpose: serving students and addressing their academic and social needs. By fostering autonomy, promoting meritocracy, and prioritizing dialogue over violence, these unions can reclaim their role as true advocates for students and catalysts for positive change.
