PABSON Urges Clear, Long-Term Education Agenda in Manifestos

PABSON Urges Political Parties to Include Clear Education Agenda

Kathmandu. February 9, 2026 [2082/10/26 BS].

The Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal (PABSON) has asked political parties to include a clear, balanced, and long-term approach to the education sector in their upcoming election manifestos.

Private Schools as Partners in Education Reform

Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday, PABSON President Krishna Prasad Adhikari said Nepal’s education system has progressed through shared efforts across public, private, and community sectors.

He said private schools are not a problem but important partners in improving education. He also urged political actors not to treat education as a subject for political use, but as a foundation for nation-building.

Call for a Public–Private–Community Collaboration Model

Adhikari emphasized the need for a clear policy to move education forward through a public–private–community collaboration model.

He said long-term policy should recognize the private sector as a strategic partner for education reform.

Protecting Choice for Parents and Students

PABSON also stated that parents and students should have their rights protected to choose:

1. Schools

2. Medium of instruction

3. Academic models

The organization warned that policies forcing a single system could negatively affect the education sector, and expressed confidence that a multi-option system can increase competition and improve quality.

Legal and Policy Protection for Private Investment

PABSON demanded legal and policy protection for private investment, infrastructure, and property in the education sector.

The organization said policy instability, sudden legal changes, and one-sided decisions have weakened the investment environment, and called for stable and trustworthy policy.

Concern Over Capital Outflow for Higher Education

General Secretary RB Katwal expressed concern that a large amount of capital leaves the country every year for higher education.

He said quality higher education should be made available within Nepal by advancing concrete plans in collaboration with the private sector.

Additional Demands Raised by PABSON

PABSON also called for:

1. Clear recognition of the private sector’s contribution in education-related laws, policies, and guidelines

2. Fair and transparent scholarship opportunities for students in private schools

3. Provisions enabling private-sector education personnel to participate in state-led skill development and educational advancement programs

PABSON stated that these issues are not tied to any single party but are connected to the country’s future, and therefore should be included in the manifestos of all political parties.