Kathmandu, November 8

New National Education Policy-2019 approved by the Council of Ministers has set ambitious goal of achieving major structural overhaul in education sector.

The policy envisions to guide the entire education sector in line with the federal democratic republic system of the country. It also delineates the areas of reform to be pursued in future for developing and administering human resource.

The vision of the policy is “Educated, civilised, healthy and capable human resource, social justice, transformation and prosperity”.

As per the policy, the government will ensure each and every citizen’s access to compulsory and free basic education. It also contemplates gradual implementation of the concept of school zoning in basic education. “Specialised schools of various subjects, including science, music, sports, ayurveda and medicinal herbs will be established, operated and managed.

There will be a state-of-the-art national science school to expand the opportunity of science and technology education for citizens,” reads the policy.

‘Technical education for all’ is one of the salient features of the policy. Under this concept, the government will provide technical and vocational education and skill development opportunities to all interested citizens by strengthening institutional capacity of agencies concerned.

The policy also stipulates provision for a higher education council headed by the prime minister, for effective regulation and management of higher education. “Apprenticeship programme will be conducted to connect technical and vocational education. Existing organisational structure of universities will be reviewed to strengthen their capacity,” reads the policy.

“Nepal will be developed as an education hub that provides world-class education in specific subjects,” reads the policy.

‘National development service’ will be implemented to make it mandatory for educated citizens to be engaged in voluntary social service for certain period of time. According to the policy,

Nepal will be declared a fully literate country by conducting life-long learning programme. The government will provide an opportunity for inclusive and special education to meet the learning needs of differently-abled children on the basis of priority, encouragement and positive discrimination.

The policy also aims to manage qualified and capable teachers at all schools through motivation, professional integrity and capacity building.

“Performance evaluation of teachers will be based on learning achievements of students. Permanent teachers will be appointed only on the recommendation of the Teachers Service Commission for the fulfilment of positions sanctioned by the government,” it reads, adding qualified, capable and self-motivated subject teachers will be managed or appointed at all schools within five years.

“Quality assurance and accreditation system will be implemented to enhance the standard of higher educational institutions,” it reads.