Private School Organizations Announce Protest Against School Education Bill 2080
The School Education Bill–2080 has reached its final stage of discussion in the Education, Health, and Technology Committee of Parliament. At this stage, private school operators’ organizations—National PABSON and PABSON—have jointly announced a protest.
On Wednesday, both organizations held a joint press conference in Kathmandu and announced the protest by putting forward a five-point demand.
They argued that the bill includes impractical and unjust provisions that disregard their existence and contributions. They demanded cancellation and amendment of those provisions.
Five-Point Demands
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The word “full scholarship” must be removed.
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Provisions requiring schools to provide uniforms, stationery, educational materials, and snacks that are not produced within schools must be scrapped.
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The provision to gradually turn schools registered and operating under the Company Act into “non-profit” must be removed.
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The authority to distribute scholarships must remain with the concerned schools. However, a transparent committee including representatives of the local government may be formed to manage distribution.
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The 45% reservation provision must be withdrawn.
Planned Protest Programs
According to the joint statement signed by Subash Nyaupane, President of National PABSON, and Krishna Prasad Adhikari, President of PABSON, the following programs have been scheduled:
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Bhadra 5: From 11 AM to 1 PM, principals will hold a rally with banners from Maitighar Mandala to New Baneshwor Chowk, followed by a corner meeting.
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Bhadra 6: School buses across the country will be taken out for city processions. In Kathmandu, a rally will be held around the Ring Road with black flags and banners.
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Bhadra 8: The movement will enter a decisive phase.
At the press conference, the leaders stated that they want dialogue and cooperation with the state rather than confrontation. However, they warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will be forced to take stronger action.
Background
The government is preparing to finalize consensus on the School Education Bill and present it in Parliament. However, private school operators have expressed disagreement. Most of the points on which they have raised objections have already been settled in the parliamentary committee.
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