Government to Partner with Private Schools to Improve Public Education
The government has announced a partnership with private schools to reform community education. “An institutional–community school partnership program will be implemented to improve the quality of education in community schools with the participation of institutional schools,” stated President Ramchandra Paudel during the presentation of the policies and programs on Friday.
Clear Indication of Government Policy on Public Education
Experts commented that this highlights the government's policy on improving public education. “There were expectations of a major program for public education reform. But the government has not presented any clear policy for public reform,” said Prof. Dr. Bal Chandra Luintel. According to him, the policies and programs included in the education section appear ceremonial.
New Teacher Bank Policy Introduced
This time, the policy on a teacher bank is new. “A teacher bank will be established in collaboration with universities,” said President Paudel. Experts have long been advocating for a teacher bank. “We were advocating for a teacher bank. This is positive. But there is no clarity on how it will be implemented,” said Prof. Dr. Bidya Nath Koirala. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology stated that the concept of a teacher bank has been introduced to address the problems faced by teachers. “It is intended as a pool of teachers. For temporary teachers, they can be selected from this pool instead of searching individually. The teachers would already be registered in the system. This pool will be built for temporary teachers,” said ministry spokesperson Shiv Kumar Sapkota.
Experts Say No Other New Policies Were Introduced
Prof. Dr. Koirala remarked that no other new policies have been introduced except for the teacher bank. “Some policies from the Panchayat era are included. Some are demands from society. The government itself hasn’t claimed this policy is new,” he said.
Unclear Structure in Science and Technology Education
Although the policies mention science and technology, Prof. Dr. Luintel said that many have repeatedly stated these. “There is no clear blueprint for the education policy,” he added.
Nine Years Since the Constitution—Education Act Still Pending
The constitution was promulgated nine years ago, yet the Education Act has not been passed. However, the policies and programs now state that it will be passed in the current session.
Work Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
The government announced that undergraduate students can work 20 hours per week and receive minimum wages.
Technical Education to Be Integrated into Higher Education
The policy aims to extend the stream of technical education up to university level.
Commitment to Provide Basic Education by 2084 BS
The government has declared that all children will have access to basic education by 2084 BS. However, experts have pointed out the difficulties in implementing this.
Grading-Based Entry into Higher and Technical Education
Students will be admitted into technical, vocational, or university education upon completing their school education based on their grades.
Equal Status for Community Campus Teachers
The government stated it will develop a framework for the career development and ranking of community campus teachers, making them equivalent to university teachers.
Long-standing Demand from Community Campus Teachers
Teachers at community campuses have long been demanding recognition equivalent to university teachers.
Residential Schools Planned in Remote Areas
The government plans to open residential schools in remote areas. “Residential schools will be opened targeting geographically remote regions,” said President Paudel.
Renaming of the President’s Education Reform Program
The President’s Education Reform Program has been renamed the National Education Reform Program. The program had been the subject of multiple complaints of irregularities, so the government changed its name.
