Kathmandu, July 20:

General secretary of the National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal (National PABSAN), Karna Bahadur Shahi, today called on the government and the Maoists to discuss educational agendas during the next summit talks.

“Political differences might be there among the parties, but they should uphold national interest,” said Shahi at a programme organised here. “The education sector has been hit the hardest, jeopardising the future of millions of students. Keeping in mind such a state of affairs, the summit talks should prioritise educational agendas.”

“The government and the Maoists should not undermine the role played by private schools in the development of education in the country.”

Calling on the SPA and the Maoists not to let the ‘golden opportunity’ slip from their hands, he called on them to work for the creation of a conflict-free state.

“A series of talks will be held with the Maoists and the government, calling on them to include educational agendas in the forthcoming constituent assembly election,” said Geeta Rana, adviser to the NPABSAN. “Those responsible for drafting the interim constitution should include the educational demands and iron out the problems dogging the education sector.”

Dilli Adhikari, another adviser to the NPABSAN, said the private schools are ready to incorporate agriculture and other subjects, provided such subjects help students develop their career.