Efforts underway for structural reform in education sector: Minister Shrestha

KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sumana Shrestha, informed the parliament that efforts were underway to implement structural reforms in the education sector. 

Responding to queries raised by parliamentarians during a House of Representatives meeting, Minister Shrestha emphasised that all stakeholders — teachers, school management committees, and parents — should work responsibly to improve the education sector, beyond the Ministry's efforts.

She argued that structural reforms cannot be achieved through mere discussions or ministerial reshuffling. To address this, a task force is being formed to provide recommendations for sector-wide reforms. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) is working on mechanisms to assess education quality and ensure that education-related employees function effectively within the MoEST.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish a separate service commission for community school principals. In light of the recent disappointing results in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), Minister Shrestha called for a thorough review of the examination process.

The MoEST has also introduced the 'Curriculum with Society' programme, aiming to link education with the labour market. Authorities have been directed to develop curricula that align with employment opportunities for schools and universities.

To address imbalances in teacher-student ratios, the MoEST is studying the formation of school management committees and adjusting teacher vacancies at different levels. Additionally, plans are in place to add 1,000 rooms to community schools as part of the upcoming fiscal year's budget, focusing on areas with lower human development indices.

Regarding the Tribhuvan University (TU) land encroachment case, decisions will be made based on a report submitted by the investigation task force led by former secretary Sharada Prasad Trital.