Following five days of youth-led protests that ousted Nepal’s leader and triggered political instability, the appointment of a new interim Prime Minister has shifted attention back to governance and policies, with young citizens calling for education reform to be treated as the country’s first priority.
Among those voicing concern is Vishnu Gupta, a pharmacy student from Nepalgunj. Speaking to India Today, he said the current education system is slow and inefficient. A Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, he noted, takes significantly longer in Nepal than in neighbouring countries, delaying students’ entry into the workforce.
“In India, this course takes around three years. Here, it takes nearly five. Even after completing the diploma, it takes over a year to get a licence. There’s no clarity on why the delay happens,” he said.
He also said that these problems in the education system are why many of Nepal’s youth continue to seek opportunities abroad.
Vishnu’s father, a local businessman, had invested in his son’s education with hopes that he would move beyond the family business, but growing uncertainty around timelines and limited job opportunities are pushing many like him to consider studying or working abroad.
“This protest was for reform. Now that corrupt leaders have stepped down, there is hope again. We want change,” he added.
Students like Vishnu are part of a larger group of students who joined the protests, which were initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms. The demonstrations quickly expanded into a broader movement against corruption, political favouritism and growing economic inequality.
The unrest, led largely by Gen Z protesters, turned violent as demonstrators targeted government buildings, set fire to the Parliament and stormed residences of top political leaders.
The protests left at least 51 people dead, according to Nepal Police. The victims include 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police personnel and 18 others. Nearly 1,700 people sustained injuries during the protests. Of them, around 1,000 have returned home after recovery, police said.
In the chaos, more than 13,500 prisoners escaped from various jails across the country. Only about 1,000 have been recaptured so far, Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire said on Friday.
Authorities have now begun easing restrictions. Curfews and prohibitory orders were lifted in Kathmandu on Saturday, though access to sensitive areas remains limited. The interim government has also begun talks to restore order and begin preparing for fresh elections.
Sushila Karki, appointed as the interim Prime Minister after two days of negotiations involving President Ramchandra Paudel, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and protest leaders, is the first woman to hold the post in Nepal’s history.
Shortly after her appointment, President Paudel dissolved the 275-member parliament and announced that national elections will be held on March 5.
As the country enters a transitional phase, many young citizens said that the real change must begin with reforming the education system.
– Ends
Tune In
