Impact of Changing Regulations on Technical Schools and Nursing Education in Nepal

In the last two years, Nepal has witnessed the closure of 228 technical schools due to legal complications surrounding student admissions. These institutions, formerly operating under the Council of Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), have been forced to shut down due to the implementation of new regulations introduced by the Medical Education Commission. The sudden closure has stirred concerns among educational institutions and stakeholders regarding the lack of government support and the financial risks associated with the abrupt regulatory changes.

Challenges Faced by Educational Institutions:

The management of these closed institutions has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of government cooperation in facilitating a smoother transition to the new regulations. Despite having invested substantial amounts, often in billions of rupees, they argue that the Commission's arrangements were unreasonable and left their investments at risk. The closure came into effect following the establishment and operation of the Medical Education Commission under the National Medical Education Act, 2075.

Impact on Nursing Education:

The National Medical Education Act, 2075, stipulated that nursing programs at the graduate level must be affiliated with a hospital containing a minimum of 100 beds within two years. Prior to this regulation, nursing colleges could partner with other hospitals for teaching and learning purposes. The affected institutions are now finding it challenging to implement this requirement, as building a 100-bed hospital within the given timeframe is not feasible. The Chairman of Forum for Health and Technical Science, Netralal Chatout, pointed out that if the government took two years to introduce the regulations, expecting institutions to build a hospital of such scale in the same timeframe is impractical.

Financial and Educational Impact:

The closure of these educational institutions has led to the unfortunate loss of educational opportunities for numerous students. At the pre-diploma level, 930 students, along with 290 diploma level students and 116 graduate-level students, lost their chance to study on scholarships over a three-year period. The monetary loss in terms of wasted scholarships amounts to a staggering 725,448,000 rupees annually. Moreover, over seven thousand teachers and staff have been left jobless due to these closures.

Struggle Committee and Demands:

In response to these challenges, a struggle committee has been formed by the forum representing technical schools. Their primary objective is to exert pressure on the government to address their concerns. The committee has outlined several key demands, including the reopening of 73 nursing college councils, which have seen admissions blocked due to the changes. They are also urging for amendments to the Medical Education Act, particularly the requirement for a 100-bed hospital for nursing programs. Additionally, they are advocating for an environment that supports experimental practice within a 100-bed hospital setting.

Government Perspective:

Krishna Prasad Kapri, the member secretary of the Medical Education Commission, responded to the demands by clarifying that while private educational institutions might face difficulties during the Act's implementation, their hands are tied as the regulations were established by the Parliament. He acknowledged the normalcy of businessmen seeking favorable arrangements but highlighted the legislative nature of the changes.

The closure of 228 technical schools in Nepal within a span of two years has sparked a debate about the implications of regulatory changes on the education sector. The clash between existing investments, practical feasibility, and new requirements highlights the complex challenges facing institutions. As both educational institutions and the government aim to find common ground, it is crucial to strike a balance that not only upholds educational standards but also takes into account the financial sustainability of these institutions.