Kathmandu Metropolitan City Seeks Detailed Fee Structures from Private Schools
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) recently issued a mandate requiring all private schools within its jurisdiction to submit detailed reports on the tuition fees to be charged for incoming 11th-grade students for the 2080/81 academic year. This new directive, expected to promote transparency and adherence to regulations, is meant to be complied with by the end of June.
Implementation of the Education Act 2075
Invoking Section 27 (9) of the Education Act 2075, KMC has sought pertinent information from the school management committees. There are currently 520 private schools operating within the KMC, all of which have been contacted by the KMC Education Department. Department Head, Sitaram Koirala, insists on the timely submission of these details by the end of June.
Despite past grievances about arbitrary fees imposed by private schools, the KMC is taking decisive action. Koirala emphasizes that schools must operate in accordance with the provisions laid down in the KMC Education Act. For the first time, the tuition fees for 11th and 12th grades will be determined under the authorities vested by the Act.
Stringent Follow-up and Consequences
Contrary to the annual requirement of submitting fee statements to the metropolis, many schools have failed to maintain this practice. Principal Koirala warns of stringent follow-ups and consequences for those failing to comply with the KMC's deadline. The final tuition fee will be the one submitted to the metropolis after the school management committee's decision.
Mandate on Scholarships and Penalties
Last week, following the KMC's instructions, private schools provided scholarships to 13,000 students. As per the stipulations, every school is required to provide scholarships to 10% of the total student body. Schools failing to provide the mandated 10% scholarships in the current academic session risk losing their affiliation and may even be shut down.
The scholarship distribution details should be submitted as per KMC School Education Management Regulations, Rules 58 and 59 of 2074, and Section 50 of KMC Education Act, 2075.
This new directive from KMC demonstrates a firm stance in ensuring adherence to the Education Act, maintaining fee transparency, and promoting scholarship opportunities. It underscores the critical role of regulatory bodies in establishing and enforcing rules that protect the interests of students and parents.
