Government’s New Bill Sparks Outcry Among Educationists, Stirs Controversy
KATHMANDU, Nepal – Teachers and educationists in Nepal are taking to the streets in a mass protest against the government’s latest education bill. The contentious legislation, the School Education Bill, has triggered outrage over concerns of favoritism and declining education quality.
The government introduced the bill last Wednesday, reversing its earlier stance on mandating the conversion of existing private schools into trusts within five years. This change allows individual schools to decide on conversion, a move welcomed by private school organizations.
“We welcome this bill,” said DK Dhungana, chair of the Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation, appreciating the change in ownership provision.
However, critics argue that the bill could foster monopolies by making it difficult for new private schools to enter the market. Pramod Bhatta, an education researcher, said, “The new provision will favor existing schools and curb competition.”
A significant concern is the absence of minimum criteria for establishing new schools, with critics insisting on clear standards and deadlines for compliance.
The bill also proposes the revival of district-level Education Offices, abolished in 2015 with the introduction of federalism. This move faces strong opposition from local bodies, who consider it unconstitutional.
Khim Bahadur Thapa, general secretary of the National Association of Rural Municipalities Nepal, condemned the reinstatement of district-level offices, stating, “This is unconstitutional and unacceptable. We will formally denounce it.”
The bill’s plan to delegate test paper preparation to district offices has met resistance. Critics argue that teachers, not district offices, should evaluate students.
The School Education Bill will undergo discussions in the House, where amendments may be proposed. It must pass both chambers of the federal parliament to become law, replacing the Education Act-1971. This legislation is vital for implementing constitutional educational provisions and decentralizing authority.
If endorsed, the bill will significantly alter Nepal’s education system, shifting the responsibility for national board exams to grade 12 and changing the administration of grade eight tests, which will now be managed by local units.
