Minister Pokharel calls for joint efforts to reform education sector

KAILALI: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has called for coordinated efforts among the federal, provincial and local governments to advance Nepal’s education sector.

Speaking at a three-day orientation program for provincial and local-level stakeholders on education-sector policies, programmes, budgets and implementation processes in Dhangadhi, on Friday, Minister Pokharel said meaningful education reform would require effective coordination among all three levels of government.

“Work in the education sector cannot be carried out effectively without cooperation from the provincial and local levels. Therefore, let us move forward together to implement the 10th Amendment to the Education Regulations and other relevant laws and regulations,” he said.

Pokharel also stressed the need for extensive consultation with stakeholders while formulating education-related laws, policies and regulations. He expressed confidence that many of the sector’s existing challenges could be addressed through dialogue and coordination.

At the program, Director of the Department of Education N. Prasad Neupane said the orientation was organized to establish a common understanding among provincial governments, local governments and Education Development and Coordination Units (EDCUs) regarding the implementation of education-related policies, laws, guidelines, standards and annual programmes.

Jiwan Neupane, chief of the Kailali Coordination Unit, said the programme would cover education programs of provincial and local governments and EDCUs for the fiscal year 2083/84. Participants will also be briefed on education policies, programs and budgets, as well as provisions under the Sector-Wide Approach and indicators related to program implementation and budget disbursement.

The programme will also include discussions on developing annual strategic implementation plans, annual action plans and budgets based on local education plans. The sessions are expected to help local governments effectively link their approved education plans with annual programmes and budgets.

Participants will further discuss the use of information management systems in school education and the application of data generated through these systems. Orientation will also be provided on various education-sector standards and policies.

Heads and representatives of education-related agencies from all nine districts of the province are participating in the program.