Ministry directs schools to refund illegally collected fees

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed all concerned authorities to ensure the refund of fees illegally collected from students.

The Ministry instructed schools to return such amounts following complaints that some institutional schools had been enrolling students before the start of the academic session 2083 BS and charging fees exceeding approved limits, in violation of prevailing laws and a Supreme Court order.

The Ministry stated that despite an earlier directive, complaints persist that certain schools are still collecting unauthorized fees. It has therefore instructed all concerned to refund the amounts in accordance with Section 16D(6) of the Education Act (as amended), 2028.

Furthermore, the ministry has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, District Administration Offices, and local governments to coordinate and take necessary action against schools found violating the directive, as per Section 16G(7) of the same Act and other applicable laws.

To address student grievances, the Ministry has also established a help desk at the Education and Human Resource Development Center. Students and guardians can report complaints and seek assistance through the desk by contacting Director Nimprakash Singh Rathour at 9851214638 or via email.