Minister Vidya Bhattarai Calls for Suggestions to Strengthen Free and Compulsory Education Plan
Kathmandu, December 1, 2024
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of CWIN (Child Workers in Nepal) and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Education, Science, and Technology Minister Vidya Bhattarai urged stakeholders to provide feedback to enhance the effectiveness of the Free and Compulsory Education Action Plan 2081. Speaking at an event in the capital, the minister emphasized the importance of ensuring access to quality education for all children in Nepal.
Current Educational Challenges
According to the 2021 Census, Nepal has approximately 4.51 million children aged 5–12 who are eligible for basic education. However, data from the Education and Human Resource Development Center reveals that 213,072 children in this age group are still out of school. Additionally, about 3% of children drop out of school at the basic level each year.
Minister Bhattarai highlighted these figures to stress the need for collaborative efforts to address gaps in the education system and ensure every child has access to education.
Action Plan 2081
The Ministry of Education has developed the Free and Compulsory Education Action Plan 2081 to meet constitutional commitments and legal mandates. The plan outlines:
-
Clarification of responsibilities at federal, provincial, and local levels by Magh 2081.
-
Policy provisions for recognizing informal learning as equivalent to formal education by Baisakh 2081.
-
Institutional and managerial reforms to support compulsory education for all.
Implementing the plan requires 20% of the current education budget, a challenge Minister Bhattarai acknowledged while urging public and institutional support. She emphasized that successful implementation would mark a significant achievement in securing child rights in Nepal.
CWIN’s Contributions Highlighted
At the event, Gauri Pradhan, a former National Human Rights Commission member, lauded CWIN’s three decades of work. The organization has played a pivotal role in eradicating child labor and promoting educational reforms. CWIN’s efforts have included:
-
Rescuing over 2,000 children from sexual abuse.
-
Filing 300 legal cases, resulting in compensation for victims and punishment for perpetrators.
CWIN’s President, Bimala Gyawali, noted that the organization has significantly contributed to freeing children from exploitative labor and modern slavery, particularly domestic child labor in urban areas.
Recognition of Activist Urmila Chaudhary
The event also honored Urmila Chaudhary, a prominent anti-slavery activist who endured 12 years as a Kamalari (bonded laborer). Her continued efforts to combat modern slavery and promote child rights earned her recognition as Nepal's leading advocate for social justice.
A Call to Action
Minister Bhattarai urged all sectors to provide feedback and support the education action plan. She emphasized that implementing the plan effectively would significantly advance Nepal's progress in achieving universal education and securing child rights.
School News