SEE Exam to Be Held at Provincial Level: Ministry’s Proposal
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has proposed that provincial governments conduct the Secondary Education Examination (SEE).
This proposal was submitted to the Parliamentary Committee as part of the ministry’s official stance during discussions on the draft School Education Bill, which is currently under review.
Previously, the bill registered by the government in the House of Representatives had included a provision to discontinue the SEE entirely.
SEE Necessary to Maintain Evaluation Standards
In the report presented by Education Minister Raghuj Pant to the Education, Science, and Technology Committee of Parliament on Saturday, the ministry recommended retaining the SEE exam under provincial jurisdiction.
The ministry's position is that, since students pursue different academic streams after Grade 10, the SEE remains essential to ensure uniformity in examination systems and evaluation standards.
Differences Between Ministry and Subcommittee Reports
During Saturday’s session, ministry officials and parliamentary committee members shared their views on the report presented by the subcommittee, which was previously formed to address disputed aspects of the bill.
In its report, the ministry has proposed that Early Childhood Development (ECD) should be limited to one year. However, the subcommittee had suggested a two-year ECD program.
Budgetary Constraints on ECD Duration
Minister Pant clarified that implementing a two-year ECD structure would place an additional annual financial burden of NPR 30 billion on the state, an amount the government cannot afford at this time.
New Rules for Private Schools and Institutional Approval
The ministry also proposed that private schools be registered and operated either under educational trusts or as companies.
Moreover, private and institutional schools that were previously granted approval but have not yet started operations will have their approvals automatically revoked if they fail to commence by the first academic session following the enactment of the new Act.
Revival of District and Central Education Offices
The ministry has also proposed re-establishing District Education Offices and the central-level Department of Education, which were dissolved under the federal structure.
Some committee members objected to this proposal, arguing that it undermines the principles of federalism.
Urgency to Finalize the Education Act
Due to increasing pressure to finalize the School Education Act, the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee held its meeting on Saturday, despite it being a public holiday.
As per the agreement between the government and teachers, the Act must be passed by Asar 15.
Teachers had ended their month-long street protests once this timeline was fulfilled.
