KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Bidhya Bhattarai has announced that the Integrated Higher Secondary Education Bill will be introduced soon.
Speaking to journalists at her office in Singha Durbar today, Minister Bhattarai pledged to prioritize the Bill, even at the expense of delaying other legislation.
“The School Education Bill was delayed, but I will move forward with the Integrated Higher Secondary Education Bill,” Bhattarai stated, assuring that the Bill will undergo extensive discussions with stakeholders, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance.
Minister Bhattarai expressed confidence that the Bill would contribute significantly to improving education in Nepal. She emphasized the importance of universities strengthening their connections with the State and society.
“Universities operate independently under their own legislations. We have not yet been able to integrate them with the State and societal fabric. This integration is crucial for enhancing their specialization and social relevance,” she argued.
The Minister also mentioned that she has held discussions with political leaders to prevent the politicization of universities.
With the budget for the current fiscal year already allocated to her Ministry, she vowed to implement the education reform program based on this budget.
Additionally, Minister Bhattarai updated the journalists on the progress of the draft for the Compulsory and Free Education Implementation Action-Plan 2081 BS, inviting feedback to improve its effectiveness.
She highlighted ongoing initiatives such as assessing children’s access to basic education at the local level, mapping school locations, and defining service areas for schools.
Increasing Attraction of Foreign Students
Minister Bhattarai also addressed the importance of attracting more foreign students to Nepal’s technical and quality education.
She mentioned consultations with ambassadors from countries including Japan, China, the USA, Australia, Switzerland, and the UK to facilitate swift visa processing for students from these countries.
The Minister emphasized efforts to retain students within Nepal and encourage the return of those who have gone abroad.
Equivalence Certificate Issued in Five Days
The Minister announced that the time for issuing equivalence certificates has been reduced from 15 days to five days.
She also directed the Janak Education Materials Centre Limited to ensure the timely distribution of school textbooks nationwide.
Minister Bhattarai stressed the need for reforms in the examination system and learning environment to improve the low pass rates currently seen in Class 10 and 12 exams.
She also committed to providing facilities and training for Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers.
Ministry Secretary Bishwababu Pudasaini reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving education in Nepal.
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