Private schools demand amendment to controversial provisions in education bill

Dhangadhi: The private school sector has raised strong objections to several provisions of the Education Bill-2080, calling them impractical, anti-investment, and a threat to the sustainability of private institutions.

In this context, stakeholders in Dhangadhi submitted a memorandum to Social Minister Medhraj Khadka, urging corrections to controversial articles and clauses. Among their concerns are the provisions requiring private schools to gradually become non-profit, mandating full scholarships, and making all expenses—including examination fees, uniforms, and transportation—free of charge.

Call to Retain Existing 10% Scholarship
Private school operators have demanded that the existing 10 percent scholarship provision be maintained and that the term “full scholarship” be removed from the bill. They stressed the need for a fair and balanced education law that ensures both long-term institutional stability and investment security.

The memorandum further highlighted that Nepal’s education sector contributes 7.2 percent to the national GDP, generates around 400,000 jobs, and provides quality education to 34 percent of the total student population.