Kathmandu. Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal (PABSON) has demanded that the political parties should include a clear, balanced and long-term vision on education sector in their election manifestos.
Speaking at a press conference organized here today, PABSON President Krishna Prasad Adhikari said that Nepal’s education system has been developed through the joint efforts of public, private and community sectors. He was of the view that education sector should be seen as the basis for nation building rather than making it a subject for political experiment.
Calling for a clear policy to take the education sector forward in the model of public-private-community collaboration, he said a long-term policy should be prepared by accepting the private sector as a strategic partner for education reforms.
PABSON has also expressed the view that parents and students need the right to choose their school, medium of instruction, and educational model. Stating that the policy of forcibly implementing a single system would have an adverse impact on education sector, it has been expressed that the multiple-choice system would enhance competition and quality.
Likewise, the organization has demanded the government to ensure legal and policy security of private investment in the education sector, infrastructure and property. PABSON has pointed out the need for a stable and credible policy, saying policy instability, sudden change in laws and unilateral decisions have weakened the investment climate.
Likewise, General Secretary RB Katawal expressed concern over the situation of huge amount of capital going to foreign countries every year for higher education.
Likewise, the memorandum calls for giving clear space in the Education Act, policy and directives while recognising the contribution of the private sector in the education sector, ensuring just and transparent opportunity for the students of private schools in providing scholarships and making arrangements for the private sector to participate in the state’s skill development and educational enhancement programmes.
PABSON said that all political parties should include these issues in their manifestos as these issues are related to the future of the nation and not only to a particular party.
