Ensuring Fair Admissions in Prominent Schools: A Move Towards Transparency

In a noteworthy initiative to foster equality and meritocracy in the education sector, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Sumana Shrestha, has made a significant appeal to the heads of renowned educational institutions - St. Xavier's, St. Mary's, and Budhanilkanth School. The minister's call for a transparent and merit-based admission process underscores a pivotal shift towards fair educational practices in Nepal.

A Call for Meritocracy and Transparency

During a productive meeting with the principals of these prestigious schools, Minister Shrestha emphasized the need to overhaul the current admission process. The core of the minister's message was clear: admissions should strictly hinge on the students' abilities and qualifications, sidelining the long-standing practices of favoritism based on fees and undue influence.

• Merit Over Influence: The minister stressed that the selection for the upcoming academic session should be purely based on merit, sidelining any pressures or quotas that have previously influenced admissions.

• Shedding Light on Past Pressures: Acknowledging the undue pressures from high-level authorities in the past, the principals were encouraged to break free from these practices and focus on a student's merit and need.

• Local Government Coordination: A new directive was given to ensure schools coordinate with local governments to streamline the admission process, promoting inclusivity and fairness.

Innovative Admission Strategies

The schools shared their current admission methodologies with the minister, showcasing a blend of traditional and innovative approaches:

• St. Xavier's School: Has adopted a 'round robin' method for the past four years, a testament to their commitment to evolving and transparent selection processes.

• St. Mary's School: Engages in parent-student interactions as a part of their admissions process, emphasizing the importance of community and family engagement in education.

• Budhanilkanth School: Relies on a rigorous examination system to determine merit, ensuring that only the most deserving students are granted admission.

Minister Shrestha lauded these efforts and encouraged the continuation and refinement of these processes to further enhance their reliability and fairness.

Forward-Looking Measures for Fair Admissions

Highlighting the importance of fair access to quality education, Minister Shrestha's requests to the school principals were twofold:

• Prioritize Underprivileged Students: Schools were urged to give special consideration to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that talent and potential are the sole criteria for admission.

• Vigilance Against Misuse of Power: The schools were asked to report any instances of individuals misusing the names of high-ranking officials to gain undue advantage in the admission process.

This initiative by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is a commendable step towards creating a more equitable educational landscape in Nepal. By advocating for admissions based on merit and transparency, the ministry aims to set a benchmark for educational excellence and integrity. This approach not only promises a brighter future for deserving students but also instills a culture of fairness and equality in Nepal's education system.