Kathmandu, August 18:

Student leaders and representatives of the teachers’ associations today came down heavily on the government for its decision to make only minor changes in the school curriculum. Pradip Poudel, vice-president of the Nepal Students’ Union, termed the decision height of government insensitivity towards people’s aspirations.

Speaking at an interaction organised by the Education Journalists’ Group, Poudel said, “After the revival of the House, we had expected policy-level changes in the curriculum.”

Pointing out the amendments to the school curriculum, he said the government had taken the matter lightly.

“Performance of public schools has been poor because most of the government officials have little faith in the government’s administrative capability,” said Poudel.

“As children are inquisitive by nature, they bombard teachers with questions whenever they are advised to skip certain chapters and paragraphs of the curriculum,” said Poudel.

It may be noted that Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), in a circular sent recently to all public schools, had asked teachers to use a teaching manual, which has suggested some changes in the curriculum, textbooks and some paragraphs following a cabinet decision of July 7 in the light of changed political scenario.

Thakur Gaire, general secretary of the All-Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), said: “Time has come to overhaul the curriculum so as to educate the new generation about a new Nepal.”

Laxman Bajgain, president of the Nepal Teachers’ Union, said the government circular suggesting some changes would not be enough in the light of the changed political scenario.

Minor amendments to textbooks will lead to more confusion among the students, said Bishnu Prasad Adhikari, vice-president of the Nepal Teachers’ Association.

According to the booklet, His majesty’s Government should be referred to as Nepal government and Nepal Adhirajya as Nepal Rajya. The word ‘Royal’ figuring in Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, Royal Nepal Army, Royal Drugs Limited, among other names, should be dropped.

According to the circular, chapters on the Raj Parishad, Royal Crown, National Anthem, Hindu State, 1990 Constitution and the Appointment of Chiefs of Constitutional Bodies should not be taught.