The National Examination Board, Examination Control Office has issued a directive to ensure that students with disabilities in Class 10 are exempted from any fees. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to promote inclusivity and equal access to education.
According to the guidelines released by the Examination Control Office, students who face disabilities should not be subjected to any charges for their educational pursuits. The directive emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive educational environment by eliminating financial barriers for individuals with disabilities.
The Supreme Court's decision on Kartik 28, played a pivotal role in shaping this directive. The court ruled that individuals with disabilities should not only be exempted from fees but also be spared from any service charges for the various facilities provided by educational institutions.
The decision explicitly mentions categories such as blind, disabled, deaf, and mentally challenged individuals. It mandates that educational institutions, including public schools, universities, and training centers across Nepal, refrain from imposing registration fees, examination fees, certificate fees, monthly fees, or any other form of financial burden on students with disabilities.
In instances where schools are found to be charging excessive fees from individuals with disabilities, the directive encourages them to issue letters to relevant schools. These letters serve as a means to assert the right to free education for students with disabilities, making it easier for them to exercise this fundamental right.
The National Examination Board, in its decision on Mangsir 12, 2075, reiterated the importance of fee exemption for students with disabilities. The decision reinforces the directive and underscores the commitment to providing equal opportunities in education for all.
Furthermore, the decision calls for a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and the Government of Nepal to ensure the enforcement of fee exemptions. The Board has specified that any fees to be waived should be demanded by the Ministry, in accordance with the decision made during the Board meeting on Mangsir 12, 2075.
This move aligns with existing laws that safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities in the realm of education. It emphasizes the provision for free higher education through government-operated institutions or those funded by the government. The law also mandates that vocational and technical education be provided to individuals with disabilities free of charge, further promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the educational landscape.
View the official notice below: