KATHMANDU: Paiyu Rural Municipality in Parbat has begun verifying whether public officials are complying with the mandate to enroll their children in community schools.
This initiative aims to improve the quality of public education by ensuring that those responsible for the education system lead by example.
The municipality has instructed public office holders—including elected representatives, government employees, school principals, teachers, and members of school management committees—to submit proof of their children’s enrollment in government schools within three days.
This requirement applies to their sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Chief Administrative Officer Jeevan Gaire explained that although the directive to make community school enrollment mandatory was introduced in the academic session 2080 BS, it was not fully implemented.
“This year, we are taking steps to enforce the rule by requesting official evidence of enrollment,” he said, adding that the deadline for submission is Sunday.
The decision followed complaints that the quality of community schools could not improve when key officials and educators sent their children to private schools.
The Village Executive Committee of Paiyu had passed the directive on April 11, 2024, emphasizing the need for responsible role models within the community.
Chairman Toran Malla Thakuri stated that the policy is now being enforced from the current academic session. He pointed out that many public officials involved in school management had been sending their children to private institutions, which undermined efforts to raise public school standards.
He detailed that different groups of officials must submit their proof to designated municipal offices and departments, ensuring accountability across all levels.
Gaire expressed confidence that the policy would help increase educational quality by encouraging conscious involvement from parents who are also stakeholders in the public education system. He believes that active oversight from these parents will enhance both the management and performance of community schools.
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