Taskforce Formed to Review NOC Policy in Nepal
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has formed a taskforce to study the current system of issuing the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign studies.
Education Minister Raghuji Pant made a ministerial-level decision to establish the taskforce under the coordination of Krishna Prasad Kapri, Director General of the Education and Human Resource Development Centre.
Taskforce Assigned to Study NOC Issuance Process
The taskforce has been instructed to conduct a detailed study on the NOC issuance process. Minister Pant had earlier stated that NOC should not be issued immediately after students complete Class 12.
Remarks During National Dialogue on Community Campuses
Speaking at the National Dialogue on the Sustainability and Excellence of Community Campuses held on Saturday, Minister Pant reiterated his view that NOCs should not be granted right after completion of Class 12.
He emphasized that most students are still too young at that stage, and it is necessary for the government to reconsider the policy.
He further said that all political parties should come together to make a bold, unified decision on this issue.
Stronger Views Against Early Foreign Study
“In all honesty,” the Minister said, “what I truly believe is that a national-level debate must take place. Students who have just passed Plus Two should not be allowed to go abroad under any condition.”
He pointed out that these students are often underage and that many consultancies mislead them by charging NPR 10–15 lakh, promising high-paying jobs in countries like South Korea upon arrival.
He questioned the credibility of such universities and noted that despite efforts, it has been difficult to stop such practices.
Economic Concern Linked to Outbound Students
According to Minister Pant, although the official banking channel may record around NPR 1 trillion in educational remittances, unofficial outflows could total up to NPR 2 trillion.
He emphasized that whether difficult or not, the nation must make a unified and bold decision on this matter.
