SEE Device Destruction in Siraha Illegal, Says Education Minister, Orders Probe and Possible Compensation
जेठ २६, २०८३ १३:३६
Kathmandu. Government Spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel has said that the destruction of confiscated mobile phones and smartwatches belonging to students during the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Siraha was illegal and warrants investigation, accountability, and compensation.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday outlining Cabinet decisions, Minister Pokharel clarified that neither the federal government nor the Ministry of Education had issued any directive authorizing the destruction of the devices. He said the action appears to have been taken based on a provincial-level instruction and stressed that it should be reviewed legally.
“Destroying private property in this manner is illegal. The ministry has not issued any such instruction,” he said, adding that responsibility lies with the concerned provincial authorities.
Responding to questions on compensation, the minister said that any relief or compensation must follow due legal process. He added that if a competent authority or court orders compensation, it must be provided in accordance with the law.
The controversy stems from an incident during the SEE examinations held in April 2026, when authorities in Siraha confiscated 7 iPhones, 489 Android phones, and 5 smartwatches from students for violating examination rules. The devices, valued at over Rs 10 million, were later destroyed by submerging them in water-filled drums at the District Police Office, Siraha.
The destruction was carried out following a decision by the District Examination Coordination Committee and an announcement by the then Education Minister of Madhesh Province, Rani Sharma Tiwari, under the coordination of Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel.
The incident, which was recorded and widely circulated online, has triggered strong criticism from student groups, rights activists, and members of the public. Student organizations have called it a violation of constitutional property rights and demanded a high-level investigation committee, disciplinary action against those responsible, and compensation based on market value.
They have also warned of nationwide protests if their demands are not addressed.
Technology experts and environmental activists have also criticized the method of disposal, arguing that water submersion does not securely erase data and raises concerns about electronic waste. Some members of the public have suggested that confiscated devices should instead be returned after fines, rather than being destroyed.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel defended the decision, stating that strict legal action such as fines or imprisonment could have harmed students’ futures, and that destruction was chosen to avoid future legal complications linked to IMEI tracking and resale risks.
The National Examination Board has stated that it was not formally informed about the disposal of the confiscated devices and that management of such materials falls under the District Examination Coordination Committee.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ २६, २०८३ १३:३६
