Crossing the border for a better education
Summary
Children from India are crossing into Nepal every day to study in schools across Jhapa, Bardiya, Rautahat and Birgunj, drawn by better teaching, transport access and English-medium education. The trend reflects deep social and family ties along the Nepal-India border and has been growing for years.
Key Points
- Children from Indian border villages are crossing into Nepal daily to attend schools that offer better teaching, regular classes and easier access than institutions in their hometowns.
- Schools in Jhapa, Bardiya, Rautahat and Birgunj have become popular with Indian students, many of whom commute by foot, bicycle, rickshaw or school bus.
- Parents say the lack of English-medium and technical education in nearby Indian villages is pushing families to enroll children in Nepali schools.
- Local residents and school officials say the trend strengthens the traditional roti-beti ties and people-to-people relationship between Nepal and India.
