In a forward-looking initiative aimed at uplifting educational standards and optimizing resources, Baglung Municipality has embarked on a comprehensive series of educational reforms, focusing on the consolidation and restructuring of schools across the region.
As the new academic session unfolds, community schools under Baglung Municipality's jurisdiction have launched robust enrollment campaigns, alongside a renewed emphasis on primary education. The overarching goal is to not only inspire local students but also ensure their active participation in the educational journey from the grassroots level upward.
Similar initiatives have been rolled out in several community schools within headquarters. However, persistent challenges such as declining student enrollment, lack of parental involvement, and inefficiencies in management practices persist in many community schools, necessitating decisive action.
Responding to these challenges, Baglung Municipality has undertaken proactive measures to restructure and reorganize school placements within the urban landscape. This strategic move is a direct response to the growing dissatisfaction within community schools, where a palpable sense of apathy and disengagement among various stakeholders has been observed.
During a recent municipal council meeting, pivotal decisions were made to establish new schools and rationalize the number of existing ones. Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha outlined plans to merge four foundational-level schools into nearby institutions, while eight schools will operate as full-fledged educational establishments. Additionally, others will cater to specific grade levels, spanning from Grade 1 to Grade 6 and beyond.
Moreover, schools facing geographical challenges, such as those situated in landslide-prone areas, have been included in the consolidation process. Mayor Shrestha emphasized the critical importance of ensuring a seamless transition and effective management of affected teachers and students, underscoring the municipality's commitment to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
The decision-making process regarding school restructuring and consolidation was marked by extensive deliberations and recommendations from various committees, including the Municipal Education Committee, Evaluation and Recommendation Committee, Municipal Council, and Executive Committee.
The criteria for school establishment and consolidation were meticulously crafted, primarily based on mandatory student numbers for each grade level: 21 students for grades 1 to 3, 14 students for grades 4 to 5, 27 students for grades 6 to 8, and 30 students for grades 9 to 10. This stringent approach ensures the sustainability and quality of education delivery across the municipality.
The schools to undergo consolidation include:
- Balmandir Residential School in Ward No. 2
- Vasundhara Primary School in Ward No. 3
- Deurali Primary School and Upallachaur Residential School in Ward No. 4
- Malika Residential School and Krishna Residential School in Ward No. 5
- Sadashiva Primary School and Adharbhut Primary School in Ward No. 6
- Janachetana Primary School and JyotiPunja primary school in Ward No. 7
- Bhindanda Primary School and Bhagwati Primary School in Ward No. 8
- Saraswati Primary School, Janasewa Primary School, Tityang Primary School, Indra Primary School, and Krishna Primary School in Ward No. 9
- Saraswati Primary School and Baraha Primary School in Ward No. 10
- Saraswati Primary School, Okhle Primary School, Siddha Primary School, and Sahid Smriti Primary School in Ward No. 11
- Saraswati Primary School, Buddhidatri Primary School, Bhairav Primary School, and Jagannath Primary School in Ward No. 12
- Durga Bhawani Primary School, Saraswati Primary School in Ward No. 13
- Adharbhut Primary School in Ward No. 14
Moreover, schools facing geographical challenges, such as those situated in landslide-prone areas, have been included in the consolidation process.
The announcement of these extensive educational reforms has produced widespread interest and support, with many stakeholders commending the municipality's proactive stance toward enhancing the education system. Deputy Mayor Raju Khadka outlined plans to repurpose vacant school structures for community-centric purposes, including libraries, study centers, training facilities, and community halls.
