The call to align the School Education Bill with socialist principles has been emphasized, drawing upon the socialist-oriented framework outlined in the constitution. Various political leaders, parliamentarians, intellectuals, and stakeholders have collaboratively contributed to the revision of the School Education Bill of 2080.
In a program organized by the Society for Education Journalists and the Policy and Practice Center, Bhanubhakta Joshi, the chairperson of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee in the House of Representatives, underscored the necessity to establish a framework for the implementation of free and compulsory education, as enshrined in the constitution. This emphasis is based on the socialist perspective of the School Education Bill of 2080.
Joshi demonstrated his commitment to the fundamental right of free and compulsory education by acknowledging socialist-oriented principles. He stressed the need for a robust system within the bill and discussed potential amendments with lawmakers in the committee.
Devendra Poudel, a leader of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Center) and former Education Minister, emphasized the significance of socialist values in shaping education policies and laws. He underscored the need for educational policies grounded in prosperity, good governance, social justice, patriotism, and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Deepa Sharma, a lawmaker from the Nepali Congress, criticized the socialist-oriented constitution for failing to prevent the escalating trend of exorbitant fees in private schools. She suggested that the Education Bill address the fee disparity between private and community schools.
The program also featured insights from educationists and stakeholders, including Dr. Balchandra Luitel, who advocated for the importance of an education system rooted in democracy and opposed to commercialization. He urged a focus on improving the quality of community schools rather than closing private ones.
During the discussions, Amina Singh, another educationist, emphasized the need for the bill to address the challenges faced by community schools. She advocated for a redistribution of funds and highlighted the difficulties students face in remote areas due to the current distribution model.
Baburam Thapa, the former president of the Nepal Teachers' Association, expressed concerns about the potential influence of vested interests on the education system. He stated that the bill's success or failure depends on local authorities' capacity.
Madan Bhul, Vice-Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, demanded a guarantee that those who can afford to pay contribute to quality education. He emphasized the bill's importance in ensuring equal access to education.
The program concluded with an appeal from various stakeholders, including Hom Kumar Thapa, president of the Institutional School Teachers' Union, Hansa Bahadur Shahi, Secretary-General of the Nepal National Teachers' Organization, and Ram Sharan Phuyal, a member of the School Employees' Council. They urged the government to implement the agreements with the Nepal Teachers' Association.
