The Ministry of Education and Sports has concluded a series of three-day orientation and workshop sessions across all seven provinces of Nepal. The nationwide program aimed to streamline the execution of annual budget plans, enhance educational quality, and ensure that government-run programs translate effectively into local practice while making the School Education Act more practical and student-centered.
The final workshop took place in Madhesh Province on Wednesday, following earlier sessions held in Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Lumbini provinces. Special guest Shailendra Jha, chief advisor to the Education Minister, highlighted the critical role local education branch heads play in implementing policies. He stressed the necessity of strong coordination among federal, provincial, and local levels while reviewing previous budget execution outcomes to improve future efficiency.
Key Policy Focus and Structural Adjustments
Federal lawmaker Sarita Mahato called for greater investment in inclusive education, urging research and resource development for individuals with intellectual disabilities across all provinces. Addressing funding allocation, officials noted that the federal ministry currently sends nearly 70 percent of its allocated budget directly to local levels, while 28 percent goes to federal-level higher education and two percent to provinces. Preparations are underway to increase the provincial budget share in upcoming cycles.
To prevent irregularities like redundant building construction, the ministry has launched a nationwide infrastructure assessment. Future infrastructure funding will be distributed based on student enrollment, birth rates, geographic clusters, and quality assurance. Additionally, legislation is being drafted to hand over full leadership and ownership of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) to provincial governments.
Addressing Governance and Regulatory Issues
The workshops, coordinated by Neelkantha Upreti, director at the Department of Education, also addressed pressing policy and legal challenges. The ministry is preparing the eleventh amendment to the Education Regulations, prioritizing measures to curb politicization within schools. Participating education heads committed to executing government programs transparently and resolving policy roadblocks to uplift Nepal's educational standards.
