Convert private schools to educational trust, say student leaders

KATHMANDU: Leaders of student unions affiliated with different political parties have urged lawmakers to respect the constitutional right to free education while enacting the School Education Bill.

Speaking at the meeting of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives on Sunday, they demanded that the government make it mandatory for privately-run schools to convert into public educational trusts by providing them a certain timeframe.

They also opposed the agreement for the permanent appointment of temporary and relief quota teachers by restricting others in the competition, which the government reached with unions of teachers.

Dujang Sherpa, president of the Nepali Congress-affiliated Nepal Students Union (NSU), said the law should be prepared by keeping students at the center. “The provision to appoint temporary teachers permanently by restricting others in the competition won’t be acceptable,” Sherpa said.

Sherpa said the vacant teaching positions should be filled through open competition and demanded the creation of separate positions for teachers for extra-curricular activities. He also said that education in community schools will improve if everyone enjoying salary and benefits from the state enrolls their children in public schools.

Samik Badal, chairman of the UML-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students Union, said private schools should be converted into educational trusts by providing the promoters a grace period of five to seven years.

Likewise, Pancha Singh, chairperson of the Maoist Center-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary), said the Bill encourages the commercialization of the education sector. “There should be a mandatory provision for the conversion of private schools into trusts as education is a service, not a business,” she added.