Community and institutional schools in Western Nawalparasi have enforced compulsory fees for Dalit students, despite constitutional provisions for free education. Pawan Secondary School, Ramgram-2, Parasi, stands out as one of the institutions extending support to Dalit students under the excuse of admission fees.
Ram Anand Harijan, shedding light on the issue, revealed that Dalit students are being burdened with various fees, including admission, monthly, and examination fees. This move, contradictory to constitutional mandates, has sparked outrage among advocacy groups such as the Chamar Youth Forum and the Nepal Dalit Liberation Society, prompting them to submit a memorandum to the District Education Office.
Sanjay Chamar, President of the Chamar Youth Forum, expressed dismay over the widespread imposition of fees on Dalit students across most schools in Nawalparasi. Despite legal provisions for free education, including scholarships from primary to higher levels, Dalit students continue to face financial barriers due to these fees.
Purna Bahadur Vishwakarma, Chief of the District Education Office, Western Nawalparasi, acknowledged collaborative efforts with local authorities to ensure free education. He emphasized the constitutional backing for free education and scholarships from primary to higher levels, urging local authorities to adhere to these provisions.
Arvind Pathak, Principal of Pawan Secondary School in Ramgram Municipality, affirmed their commitment to supporting Dalit students by actively engaging with their parents. This collaborative approach aims to mitigate the financial burden on Dalit families and foster inclusive education practices within the municipality.
