Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle presented the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 in the Federal Parliament on Jestha 15, 2083, outlining the government's priorities and planned investments across various sectors. The budget allocates Rs. 218.3 billion to the education sector and includes a range of measures aimed at strengthening school and higher education, expanding access, enhancing quality, promoting innovation and skills development, and improving educational infrastructure. Here is an overview of the key education-related announcements made in the budget.
High Priority for Mathematics Education
The government is set to prioritize mathematics education. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced that the government will place high priority on mathematics education, specifically as it applies to Artificial Intelligence (AI). This announcement was made by the Finance Minister during his budget speech for the fiscal year 2083/84, which places significant emphasis on AI and information technology.
Review of Quota Systems in Higher Education
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle also announced in his budget speech for the fiscal year 2083/84 that the government will review the quota systems currently imposed on higher education programs, including medicine, nursing, and information technology within this fiscal year.
The government has also announced that the Shaheed Dashrath Chand Health Science University, located in Geta, Sudurpashchim Province, will begin conducting programs in four medical disciplines, including MBBS, starting from the 2083/84 academic session.
Systemic Reform of Education Ecosystem
A systemic restructuring of the overall education ecosystem will be undertaken. Based on national school mapping, infrastructure audits, teacher competency assessments, and evaluations of AI and ed-tech readiness, investment in school education will be increased to expand innovation and skill-based learning.
School-Centered Education Model and Infrastructure Development
The school education system will be transformed into a school-centered model, with policies aimed at improving educational quality and infrastructure development through parental participation. School Management Committees will be strengthened as a key mechanism to ensure quality education. A nationwide clean toilet campaign will be implemented across all educational institutions.
Restructuring of Higher Education
Higher education will be restructured as a center for innovation, knowledge production, and national capacity building.
Developing International Universities
The government has announced plans to develop three institutions into international-level universities.
In his budget speech for the fiscal year 2083/84, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced that the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), and the Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) will be upgraded to international university standards. Wagle stated, "We will make these hospitals capable of providing education to international students as well."
Policy for Foreign Universities and Open University Access
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced in the budget speech for the fiscal year 2083/84 that the government will adopt policies to encourage and facilitate the operation of international-standard university campuses within Nepal.
However, this announcement comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding the academic quality of the current nearly five dozen foreign affiliated colleges operating in Nepal. Furthermore, there is currently no clear legal framework governing the operation of such foreign campuses; they have been operating based on guidelines established in 2059 B.S.
To address this, the government has announced plans to amend the Education Act and create specific regulations for the oversight of these institutions. Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel stated last week that the draft of these regulations is currently being prepared for submission to the Council of Ministers for approval.
Additionally, he declared that arrangements will be made for Nepali citizens residing abroad to pursue higher education through the Open University system.
Student and Teacher Exchange Program in Community Schools
A student and teacher exchange program will be implemented for students and teachers of community schools across various provinces, covering Grades 5 to 8. The program aims to enhance learning exposure, experience sharing, and educational collaboration among schools at the provincial level.
Residential Schools for Marginalized Communities
Residential schools will be established to ensure access to basic education for communities that are lagging behind in the Human Development Index. The program will begin with the Chepang community in Chitwan district as a pilot initiative.
Budget Allocation for School Infrastructure Mapping
The government has allocated Rs. 1 billion to map the infrastructure needs of community schools across the country. The initiative is expected to support evidence-based planning and investment in school infrastructure development.
Medical Education Programs to Begin at Shahid Dasharath Chand Health Sciences University
The government has announced that Shahid Dasharath Chand Health Sciences University in Geta, Sudurpashchim Province, will begin academic programs in four medical education disciplines, including MBBS, from the academic session 2083/84.
Rs. 8.6 Billion Allocated for Student Scholarships
A total of Rs. 8.6 billion has been allocated for targeted scholarship programs for students ranging from the school level to higher education. The allocation aims to support access to education for eligible and disadvantaged students.
While this allocation is a continuation of previous government initiatives, it has faced criticism for being merely distributive rather than result-oriented, as the scholarship provides students with only Rs. 400 annually; a sum considered significantly inadequate.
Promotion of Music, Arts, and Literature Education
The government has announced measures to promote the study of music, arts, and literature across the country. Support will also be provided for the establishment of a Guthi Research Institute and an Ethnomusicology Center within the premises of the Tripureshwor Mahadev Temple, which is listed under the Raj Guthi records.
Academic Exchange Between Nepali and Foreign Faculty
In addition to facilitating the operation of campuses by internationally ranked universities in Nepal, the government will launch academic exchange programs between domestic and international faculty members to strengthen teaching, research, and academic collaboration.
Greater Autonomy for Universities
The government has announced plans to provide universities with greater academic, administrative, and financial autonomy. Legal provisions will be introduced to enable universities to operate under a cost-sharing model while enhancing institutional independence and accountability.
Equity Tax in the Fee of Private Academic Institutions
A three percent equity fee has been imposed on all types of fees collected from students by private educational institutions. Additionally, the 3 percent education tax to be paid by students going abroad for higher education has also been maintained in the bill. The government claims that such funds will be spent on ensuring access to quality education and developing educational infrastructure.
Reference: Budget Speech 2083.pdf
