MANTHALI: The physical rehabilitation of public school buildings, devastated by the ‘Gorkha Earthquake,’ has been completed with remarkable aesthetics.

However, despite the rejuvenated infrastructure, concerns loom large over the dwindling student enrollment in these institutions.

Following the earthquake, a total of 87 secondary schools in Ramechhap underwent reconstruction, showcasing impressive new structures.

Yet, stakeholders express deep-seated worries regarding the declining student populace within these premises.

Bharat Bahadur Bhattarai, Chief of the District Education and Coordination Unit, Ramechhap, highlights various factors contributing to this trend, including diminishing educational standards, sluggish population growth, and undue political interventions in public schooling.

Previously, the district boasted over 400 schools, but a decline in student numbers led to the consolidation of institutions, reducing the count to 360.

Further mergers loom as student numbers continue to dwindle.

Former educator Gunja Bahadur Shrestha attributes the decline to inadequate teaching standards and lopsided development in rural areas, undermining the appeal of public schools.

He notes that even model secondary schools struggle to entice students due to a lack of emphasis on quality education.

The transition to a federal structure has also stirred concerns about educational quality, with municipal-level education bodies now overseeing school management.

This shift raises questions about the maintenance of educational standards in the evolving educational landscape.

RSS