- Private school bodies protest in Kathmandu against School Education Bill.
- Oppose full-scholarship mandate and non-profit transition clause.
- Warn of nationwide school shutdowns if demands are unmet.
Private school operators across Nepal have intensified their opposition to certain provisions in thegovernment’s School Education Bill, staging a protest march in Kathmandu .
Members of key associations including the Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal (PABSON), the National Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal (N-PABSON), and the Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) joined forces to express their dissatisfaction. The demonstrators marched from Maitighar Mandal to New Baneshwar, voicing strong objections to clauses they claim threaten the future of private education.
One of the most contentious provisions is the requirement that private schools provide full scholarships to students, a mandate operators argue is financially unsustainable. In addition, the Bill includes a provision suggesting that private schools should gradually transition into non-profit entities. Although the clause is not legally binding, school operators view it as a precursor to undermining the private education sector.
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Leaders of the protesting organisations have warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they may be forced to shut down private schools nationwide, disrupting the education of millions of students. They argue that while private institutions complement public schools by expanding access to education, the proposed Bill imposes undue burdens that could compromise both quality and sustainability.
Speaking during the protest, representatives of PABSON and N-PABSON said they were not against reforms but demanded a fair and consultative approach to policymaking. They stressed that private schools have played a crucial role in improving educational standards in Nepal and deserve recognition rather than restrictive measures.
The protest comes as the government pushes ahead with the School Education Bill, which seeks to overhaul the country’s education system. However, with growing opposition from private operators, the legislation is likely to face continued debate in the weeks ahead.
