School bill is caught between who decides and who pays
Summary
Nepal’s new School Education Bill has triggered disputes over who controls school education, how it should be funded and whether private schools should be converted into non-profit trusts. Teachers, local governments and private school operators are all pressing the government to protect their rights and interests as the bill is drafted.
Key Points
- The government is drafting a new School Education Bill to replace the Education Act-1971 after nationwide consultations in all seven provinces.
- Local governments want their constitutional powers over school education protected, while stakeholders insist free and compulsory education must be backed by federal funding.
- Private school operators oppose moves to convert schools into non-profit trusts and are seeking a stable long-term policy on private investment.
- Teacher unions are demanding job security, fair pay and professional rights, and warning of nationwide protests if the bill falls short.
