KATHMANDU: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has said the government will not reverse the provision requiring educational consultancy businesses to deposit a Rs 2.5 million security bond.
Speaking at an interaction with journalists covering education at Singha Durbar on Friday, Pokharel said the provision introduced through the Educational Consultancy, Language Teaching and Test Preparation Class Operation and Management Regulations was formulated based on recommendations from stakeholders, including some consultancy operators.
Responding to questions on whether the government could retreat from the policy—as it did on the three percent education equity fee—the minister said there was no such intention.
Pokharel said the government would, however, consult concerned stakeholders before finalizing major laws such as the proposed School Education Act.
He also said newly appointed vice-chancellors of universities have been encouraged to implement their vision documents to help make higher education institutions more autonomous and free from political influence.
The minister, who also serves as the government spokesperson, urged educational institutions and government offices to make full use of the recently introduced two-day weekly holiday, stating that the decision would not be reconsidered.
Pokharel further said he has long supported the campaigns led by Dr Govinda KC and that informal dialogue with the senior medical education reform campaigner is ongoing.
The regulation was amended following a Cabinet decision made on July 8.
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