Kathmandu, June 22, 2025 – Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is exploring the possibility of establishing separate classes for children with disabilities in five of its schools. This initiative comes after a study conducted by a committee formed under the KMC Education Committee, headed by KMC Urban Planning Commission member Shailendra Jha.
The committee identified Mahendra Bauddha Secondary School (Ward No. 6), Janprabhat Secondary School (Ward No. 13), Nepal Yubak Secondary School (Ward No. 16), Shanti Nikunja Secondary School (Ward No. 20), and Kanya Mandir Secondary School (Ward No. 25) as suitable locations for these specialized classes.
According to Shailendra Jha, the KMC established the study committee specifically because no community schools within the metropolitan area currently cater to children with autism. Further study is reportedly needed to determine whether to provide education and skills in a single location or separately, depending on the type of disability.
Discussions with partners, stakeholders, human rights activists, and organizations have yielded mixed opinions regarding the operation of such schools. Jha stated, "Some believe that KMC itself should operate these schools, others suggest supporting existing schools that cater to children with disabilities, and some propose a mixed system."
Further discussions have been held with the Spinal Injury Association Nepal, resource teachers, and headteachers in a second phase. A third phase involved discussions with 60 headteachers from institutional schools, representing all resource centers. A fourth phase of discussions is currently underway at the ongoing second edition of the Skill Fair.
The KMC plans to continue regular discussions with school headteachers and school management committee officials. The suggestions gathered so far will be used in interactive discussions through policy dialogues to reach comprehensive and concrete conclusions.
Currently, KMC has four schools that cater to children with disabilities: Balapith Basic School, Nirmal Bal Bikash School, Central Deaf Secondary School, and Susta Manasthiti Parivarik Sarasallah Tatha Strot School (for children with intellectual disabilities).
