Kathmandu, October 26

Association of Private Educational Institution, Nepal a network of 11 umbrella organisations of private academic institutions has urged the government to give priority to vehicles of academic institutions while distributing petroleum products.

A delegation from APEIN had met the newly appointed Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel yesterday to draw his attention towards the difficulties faced by schools due to fuel crisis.

They also notified that if the government fails to provide fuel, private schools would have to be closed. They also accused the government of ignoring the plight of private academic institutions.

Karna Bahadur Shahi, president, National Private and Boarding Schools Association Nepal, said that it will be very difficult to reopen schools after the festival if the fuel crisis persists.

“If the situation persists, we will be compelled to close schools,” he said, adding, “We have urged Education Minister Pokharel to provide fuel to vehicles of private academic institutions.”

Responding to their plea, Pokharel pledged to provide adequate fuel to private academic institutions.

Most of the schools in the Valley will resume classes from Wednesday. But they are planning to extend holidays for lower grades until the government eases fuel supply. “Despite difficulties, we are planning to run classes for Grade IX and X,” he added.

The schools were shut for more than a month after the devastating earthquakes this year.

The umbrella organisation has also urged the agitating political parties in Madhes to allow schools to run classes.