Nepal loses 2,190 community schools in five years amid falling enrolment
Summary
Nepal’s community school network has shrunk by 2,190 schools in five years as enrolment falls, migration rises and birth rates decline. Officials say mergers, school mapping and consolidation are accelerating, with zero-enrolment schools now required to merge within a year.
Key Points
- The number of community schools in Nepal fell from 27,813 in 2077 BS to 25,623 in 2082 BS, a decline of 2,190 schools.
- Government officials say school mapping, mergers, consolidation, grade reductions and suspended operations all contributed to the drop.
- More than half of community schools now have fewer than 100 students, and the government is tightening consolidation rules for zero-enrolment schools.
- Education experts warn that mergers in remote areas could make access harder for children who must travel longer distances.
