Action Against Unregistered Educational Consultancies
On Shrawan 23, the local administration in Chitwan directed the closure of 45 educational consultancy and language training institutions. The Chitwan District Administration Office issued instructions to the police to shut down those operating without approval from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Bagmati Province Ministry of Social Development.
Based on reports of fraud by unapproved consultancies, the District Administration Office had previously issued multiple notices instructing them to submit necessary documents.
This incident in Chitwan is just one example of irregularities taking place in the name of educational consultancy services outside the federal capital. The situation in the capital is reportedly even worse. The Ministry of Education is responsible for monitoring such irregularities.
In the past five years, more than 650,000 individuals from Nepal have obtained No Objection Certificates (NOC) to study abroad in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, America, and Africa.
While Chitwan authorities have acted through the District Administration Office in Kathmandu, the Department of Commerce has taken the lead. The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection found that, similar to Chitwan, most consultancies in Kathmandu were operating without registration.
Between Asar 32 and Shrawan 26, the department inspected 202 consultancies, discovering that over half (51%) were not registered with the Ministry of Education.
Department Director General Kumar Dahal confirmed that many educational institutions were operating without approval. According to him, inspections were prompted by student complaints and reports of fraud.
Dahal stated, “From the inspection data, we found that 51% of consultancies were operating without registration.”
Of the consultancies inspected, 55 were fined between NPR 50,000 and NPR 200,000. These fines were imposed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, for operating without registration or renewal.
He urged students to remain cautious, noting that many institutions claiming to provide foreign education consultation were operating without legal registration, engaging in fraudulent practices.
The inspections also revealed that, while the Ministry of Education previously handled registration, provincial governments now register at the provincial level, creating further complications. Many consultancies were found either operating without registration, showing a license for one location while operating in another, or starting operations without completing registration.
This reflects only the actions taken by the Department of Commerce. The Ministry of Education has not conducted serious inspections. Semanta Koirala, Head of the Educational Consultancy and Certification Branch, claimed that the ministry inspects only when there are complaints against registered institutions.
According to official records, 1,473 consultancies are registered with the branch, but only 720 had renewed or registered as of the last fiscal year’s end. The ministry advises students to seek consultation only from registered institutions.
Koirala admitted that the branch lacks sufficient manpower to inspect even renewed institutions when complaints arise, stating, “The Home Ministry should inspect institutions not under our jurisdiction. We correspond accordingly, and the Chitwan inspection followed this process.”
He also confirmed that some consultancies have continued operating without renewal since the COVID-19 pandemic and have only recently renewed. While the ministry receives few complaints against registered institutions, it receives many complaints about unregistered ones displaying signboards.
Koirala clarified that the Ministry of Education has no authority to take action against unregistered institutions, and such cases are forwarded to the Home Ministry with the details of registered institutions.
Sheshraj Bhattarai, President of the Nepal Educational Consultancy Association, complained that misconduct by some consultancies tarnishes the reputation of legitimate ones. He blamed government agencies for the continued operation of unregistered institutions and expressed frustration that the state does not prioritize shutting them down, despite repeated appeals. He also questioned why unregistered consultancies are only fined instead of being closed.
Eight-Point Directive by the Educational Consultancy and Certification Branch (Issued Falgun 28, 2081)
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Display the ministry-issued approval certificate and the renewal certificate for the current fiscal year 2081/082 prominently.
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Do not offer misleading promises such as free visas, job guarantees, or dependent visas when providing foreign education services.
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For foreign institutions represented in Nepal, submit official proof of representation with a public verification link to the ministry.
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Keep accurate records of agreements and other documents related to services provided to students.
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Ensure that the institution’s name is clearly mentioned in the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to students proceeding for foreign study/training through the institution.
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Do not organize educational fairs, gatherings, or exhibitions without ministry approval.
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Do not recommend students to universities or educational institutions that are not recorded with the ministry or have not completed the documentation process.
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Implement all previously issued ministry directives.
