KATHMANDU, April 27: With most parents switching to private schools citing poor results by public schools, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is preparing to introduce new policies and programs aimed at improving education at public schools.
Stating that the ministry is consulting with the stakeholders on ways to improve the quality of education at government schools, Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel said the new program and policies would be introduced soon after the completion of the first round of school enrollment campaign. The 15-day school enrollment campaign completes on Friday.
The new policies, according to the minister include barring government officials and elected people’s representatives from sending their children to private schools.
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“If teachers, government officials and politicians enroll their children at government schools, they will convey a positive message to others,” Minister Pokharel said, adding, “I have already drawn the attention of the government and will come up with new policies after consulting with the stakeholders concerned.”
In Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Minister Pokharel had floated a proposal for government officials and politicians to send their children to public schools. The cabinet discussed the issue but could not come up with a conclusion as the ministers were divided on it.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and some ministers asked whether this would deprive some students of quality education. The cabinet is expected to continue discussions on the issue and come up with new policies to encourage government schools.
“We are concerned that the proposal, if approved by the cabinet, could prevent some capable people from sending their children to private school and get access to quality education.
This needs to be discussed further,” said PM Oli stressing the need for homework before taking a decision.
The ministry plans to provide mandatory mid-day lunch to school going students and mobilize social organizations, ministers, elected peoples’ represeantives to improve the quality of education at government schools.
