Ministry of Education Notice 2077-2-18:
Government of Nepal, Hon. Giriraj Mani Pokharel Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Minister for Education, Science and Technology Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: 2077-02-18
I am well aware that the education sector has also been affected due to the dire situation created by COVID-19, which is spreading like a global epidemic. Due to the increasing incidence of this disease, on the one hand, the new academic session has not started and on the other hand, examinations from school education to higher education have been postponed. Considering the address and directive of the Hon'ble Prime Minister dated 2077 Jestha 12, I would like to inform you that the Ministry is continuously making necessary and appropriate decisions regarding the status of the epidemic and keeping the students' reading smooth by using various means and conducting the postponed examinations. The release is intended to clarify learning continuity, recent policy decisions, and actions taken in relation to the recently released budget.
1. Regarding student learning continuity:
In order to reduce the educational loss due to prolonged disruption of education, the Ministry has recently issued a directive to facilitate learning through alternative systems including distance and open education to create a conducive environment for the regular reading of school-age children. 2077 "has been issued. In this regard, I heartily call upon all the concerned bodies at the federal, state, and local levels and all the stakeholders to implement the directive from the 1st of Ashad, 2077 BS.
2. In relation to postponed examinations and opening of educational institutions;
I would like to inform you that a task force headed by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission is working on the Ministry of Home Affairs to take sub-decision in the near future regarding the spread of the epidemic regarding the school level examinations which have been postponed due to the epidemic of Covid-19. Regarding the reopening of educational institutions, I would like to remind everyone once again that the reopening of educational institutions will be done only as per the recommendation of the Novel Corona Disease Prevention and Control High-Level Coordinating Committee and the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal.
3. Regarding National Qualification Draft Approval:
To classify, test and certify the knowledge, skills, and qualifications learned from the formal education system as well as non-formal and life experience, to create conditions of educational justice by ensuring access from one stream of education to another, equivalence, accreditation, credit transfer of qualifications prescribed by various educational bodies. The National Qualification Framework has recently been approved by the Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) with the intention of assisting in the economic and social development of the country by strengthening the interrelationship between education and labor market. I would like to inform you that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has received in-principle approval to move ahead with the process of making necessary arrangements for preparation, legal, structural, and implementation. For this, the Ministry intends to expedite the work in the near future, so I heartily appeal to all concerned for the necessary assistance in this work.
5. Regarding the budget of the Fiscal Year 2077/768:
(A) It is a positive thing that the budget of the education sector has been increased even in the multi-dimensional crisis created by the epidemic of Covid-19 in the budget of the Fiscal Year 2077/78 presented to the Parliament by the Hon'ble Finance Minister Zou. This percentage will increase if the 11.64 percent budget allocated to the Ministry includes the budget allocated for technical and vocational skills development training, the budget allocated for school reconstruction, and other ministries for education-related programs. Despite the need to increase the budget in the field of science and technology, including education, the budget has not been increased as expected due to the need to face the crisis in the current difficult situation. My serious attention has been drawn to the questions raised by the stakeholders regarding the number of points in this budget statement. In the policy and program of the current fiscal year, B.Sc. 2076-85 has been declared the Decade of Public School Empowerment, which is one of our most important and comprehensive campaigns. I am clear that the main educational programs, including the Presidential Educational Reform Program, physical infrastructure construction programs, technology use, and teaching-learning reform programs, should be part of this. To make this campaign a success, the contribution of teachers, students, parents, educators, educationists, school management committees, governments at all three levels, partners, and the general public is needed.
(B) The provision mentioned in point number 166 of the budget statement by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Even though it has not been proposed, the support and contribution of the non-government sector, development partners will be mobilized for the strengthening and strengthening of public schools as a supplementary program so that the management and ownership of the school will remain the same. Empowering public education is a shared responsibility of all of us. In this context, it is appropriate for the private sector to fulfill its responsibility and role in assisting the public school in the matters deemed necessary by the private sector. I express
Teachers and school staff working in early childhood development and education are serving at extremely low salaries. The National Education Policy, 2076 stipulates that the minimum wage will be provided by the Government of Nepal. I am concerned that this statement may not be included. I would also like to inform you that I have requested the Hon'ble Finance Minister to reconsider considering the seriousness of this issue. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to assure you that we will continue our efforts to provide the minimum wage set by the Government of Nepal with the participation of the federal, state, and local levels.
Finally:
In the current situation where the country is being affected by the Kovid-19 epidemic and has been stagnating for a long time, I appeal to all not to be overwhelmed by some unexpected issues in the budget statement. I heartily request all concerned to play a positive role from their own place to make it a success as the government has to create a learning environment at home for the students by adopting various means for smooth use of technology in the field of education.
