Kathmandu Metropolitan City's Education Department has directed all community and institutional schools under its jurisdiction to strictly stop any activity that negatively affects students' physical, psychological, or psychosocial wellbeing. The circular, issued on 2083/03/32 by Department Head Namraj Dhakal, follows complaints that some schools have been humiliating students over dress code or unpaid fees, barring them from classes or exams, forcibly cutting their hair, and subjecting them to mental stress.
The directive cites Rule 25 (Clause T1) of the Education Regulation 2059, which prohibits any activity within school premises or classrooms that harms a student's physical, psychological, or psychosocial condition, including discrimination, public humiliation, or punishment based on appearance, grooming, or fees. The department clarified that such prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
- Humiliating or publicly shaming students over dress code or grooming standards
- Discriminatory treatment or barring students from classes or exams over unpaid fees
- Forcibly cutting or having students' hair cut
- Mocking or questioning a student's physical appearance, clothing, makeup, or grooming
- Making students stand in the sun or other adverse conditions as punishment for extended periods
- Any act or behavior that harms a student's self-respect, dignity, physical or mental health, or psychosocial wellbeing
The department has instructed all schools to fully comply with this provision and end such practices immediately, warning that violators will face action under the Education Act and prevailing law.
View the Official Notice:
