KATHMANDU, Sept 13: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) is preparing to relocate to Keshar Mahal, Lainchaur, after its offices inside Singha Durbar were heavily damaged during the Gen Z protests.
The demonstrations that began peacefully on September 8 against the social media ban, rampant corruption, and the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children turned violent on September 9, causing vandalism and arson to multiple government buildings including the main Singha Durbar complex.
Road closure from Keshar Mahal to Sanchaya Kosh Bhawan in Tha...
The MoEST suffered extensive damage, with 19 vehicles burned and much of its physical infrastructure, including rooms, staircases, destroyed.
A team led by Joint Secretary Baikuntha Aryal inspected the ministry on Saturday. “The statistics were saved, but the physical structures have been severely damaged. Since we cannot operate from Singha Durbar in this condition, the ministry has decided to move to Keshar Mahal,” Aryal told Republica.
He added, “Work must go on. Even during holidays, we are coming to the ministry. But the office is unfit for use, so we need another place to continue services. We have already started issuing No Objection Letters from Bhaktapur and now the decision is to shift the ministry to Keshar Mahal.”
Cleanup and document preservation efforts have already begun, Aryal said. Due to limited space, the ministry also plans to relocate the Public Procurement Monitoring Office to make room for its departments.
Apart from Singha Durbar, the escalated Gen Z protests also caused damage to Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Special Court, and the Kathmandu District Court. Several private institutions—including Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Ullens School, and Global School and College—along with business houses and politicians’ residences, were also targeted.
