Nepalganj-The Maoists, who always believed that guns were worth more than education, have perhaps changed their attitude in the way they are not causing obstruction to the upcoming SLC exams in the country's midwestern region. In past years they have always disturbed students whenever SLC exams were approaching. Six years ago, the Maoist student's union started a violent anti-SLC campaign in Surkhet to eliminate what the rebels call a \'feudal education' system. They blew up the vehicle carrying entrance permits of the students and the charred hulk of that jeep is still lying on the roadside. Since then, they made every effort to hamper the SLC exams. But today, the Maoists are actually helping to spread messages through their writings on the walls that SLC centres will be free from violence. Whether it is due to their politically vested interests or to win over the hearts of the students, this only shows that the Maoists have eventually realised the value of education. All this is evident now in the midwest districts of Salyan, Rukum, Rolpa. Now they have not only asked the Rolpa DEO to make the SLC entry permits mandatory but even gotsoldiers out of the exam centres. There are around 65 secondary schools, 62 lower secondary schools, 19 primary and 119 pre primary schools in this region. The Maoists are doing all this due to pressure from their own students who have suffered from past boycotts of exams. The rebels have not been able to do much with their own so-called revolutionary education system because they neither have enough books nor an effective education policy. In stark contrast, the Maoist students union are still on their way to arm more school students. A recent meeting by Bheri-Karnali regional coordination committee have made plans to bring more students in their political campaigns for two months, even if it means neglecting the regular studies of the students.