Kathmandu: The government today formed a ten-member committee under Devendra Poudel, PM’s political adviser, to study demands put forth by the UCPN-Maoist-aligned students.

The move comes after students, led by All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union- Revolutionary chief Himal Sharma, and a government team met at Prime Minister’s Office today.

The newly-formed committee consists of four members from the government side — a joint secretary each from the Ministry of Education, Finance, Commerce and Supplies and Labour and Transport Management. The committee will also have five representatives from ANNISU-R.

ANNISU-R Vice-President Jagrit Rayamajhi said, “The committee will discuss ways to end row over medical and nursing college fees. It will also dwell on dual pricing of petroleum products, providing 50 per cent discount to students in public vehicles and provision of ration cards for students.”

He added, “The committee will also hold discussions about classifying the demands as short-term and long-term ones. The short-term demands will be addressed within a month.”

Earlier, students met PM Baburam Bhattarai and the Education Minister to draw their attention towards their demands.

source: The Himalayan Times, 5 Jan 2011