Minister for Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), Mr. Raghubir Pant, stated that the government is preparing to hand over the responsibility of school education up to the secondary level to local municipalities.
He made this announcement on Thursday while addressing the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Arunodaya Secondary School located in Aarubari, Gokarneshwar Municipality, Kathmandu, where he served as the chief guest.
Minister Pant emphasized that merging schools with low student populations would ensure an adequate number of both students and teachers, which would help reduce financial strain. He also stated that local municipalities must contribute to this process.
Education Act and Restructuring in the Pipeline
He further added that the new School Education Act will be implemented within a month, and the process of teacher adjustment and school merger will begin accordingly.
Calls for Skill-Based Education
Chairman of the School Management Committee and Ward Chairperson of Gokarneshwar-9, Mr. Rajiv Thapa, chaired the event. Speaking as a special guest, Santosh Chalise, Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Federal Parliament, remarked that education should not be limited to the issuance of certificates; instead, it must provide practical skills and capabilities.
He highlighted that Nepal’s education system has swung between the British model and the Indian model, resulting in a lack of identity. He stressed the need for a Nepali model tailored to national needs.
Municipal Investment and Local Challenges
Mayor of Gokarneshwar Municipality, Dipak Risal, shared that the number of approved posts in local schools remains insufficient. He noted that the municipality spends over NPR 30 million annually solely on education and urged Minister Pant to address structural challenges in the sector.
Remarks by Former Officials and Educators
The celebration included best wishes from the former Minister for Physical Infrastructure of Bagmati Province and Constituent Assembly Member Ramshwar Fuyal. Other speakers included:
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Former MP of Kathmandu-3 and ex-student, Krishna Bahadur Rai
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Deputy Mayor of Gokarneshwar, Sannani Lama
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President of the Arunodaya Alumni Society, Trilochan Paudyal
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Principals from various schools
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Social workers and other education professionals
Felicitation Ceremony and School Report
The event honored former students of the school who have made significant contributions to society. Also recognized were retired teachers, staff with over 20 years of service, and other school personnel.
The program began with a ceremonial worship at the Saraswati Temple within the school premises. Rajiv Thapa, Chairman of the School Management Committee, delivered the welcome speech, while Principal Nar Bahadur Gurung presented the school's annual report and future plans.
