KATHMANDU: The government has directed authorities to take action against private schools found charging fees in violation of existing laws and Supreme Court orders.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has instructed the home administration and local levels to initiate action against such institutions.
According to the ministry, the directive was issued on April 5 after reports that some institutional schools were enrolling students before the academic session and charging fees exceeding approved standards. Despite the order, complaints persist that some schools continue to collect fees unlawfully.
Citing Section 166 (6) of the Education Act 1971 (amended), the ministry has reiterated that any illegally collected fees must be refunded to students.
In a statement, ministry spokesperson Shiv Kumar Sapkota warned that schools defying the directive would face further legal action under Section 166 (7) of the same Act and other prevailing laws. The ministry has also urged coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, District Administration Offices, and local governments to enforce the directive.
To facilitate students and parents, a help desk has also been set up at the Education and Human Resource Development Centre for grievance handling.
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