The Government of Nepal has unveiled key reform plans in the education sector as part of its approved 100-point governance reform agenda. The Cabinet of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah approved these action points during its meeting held on Chaitra 13, 2082.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming public mandate received in the general elections held on Falgun 21, 2082, the government introduced this reform agenda. It also paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives during various movements, including the Gen-Z movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082, and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Key Reform Agendas in the Education Sector:
86. To address political interference in education, the lack of genuine student representation, and the decline in academic quality, all politically affiliated student organization structures will be removed from school and university premises within 60 days. Within 90 days, student-centered mechanisms such as Student Council or Voice of Student will be developed.
87. Ensure that results of undergraduate and postgraduate examinations conducted by universities are published regularly in accordance with the academic calendar provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
88. Universities will immediately prepare necessary procedures to allow students to enroll in undergraduate programs without requiring citizenship certificates.
89. Starting from the next academic session, internal examinations for students up to Grade 5 will be completely discontinued. An alternative evaluation system will be developed that avoids psychological pressure and negative impacts on young learners.
These reforms aim to make the education sector free from political influence, more student-centered, and of higher quality. In particular, the removal of political structures within student organizations and the plan to relieve young students from exam pressure have drawn significant attention.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is expected to develop an implementation plan to ensure timely execution of these agendas. The government has also directed each ministry to submit, within 7 days, a list of 10 priority actions in their respective sectors, along with timelines and designated responsible officials, as part of the overall 100-point agenda.
