Kathmandu, January 26:

More than 13 per cent of children of primary school age are deprived of education and among them two thirds are girls, stated an investigation report by the Education Journalists’ Group (EJG).

The result is the outcome of study conducted in 11 districts of Terai region. Of the students reaching lower secondary level, less than 10 per cent are girls. Various incentives

provided by the government to girl students have failed to lure them to schools.

The study showed that students are still found to be paying fees in various forms though the government has declared primary education free. There were many cases in which the headmasters of schools distributed scholarship fund among themselves, the report said.

Mohan Gyawali, president of the Nepal Teachers’ Association blamed the government for the chaos in the education sector and the for appalling condition of the girl education in the country. He stressed on proper education system that could solve nearly half of the political and social problems.

“The government and media should not only focus on solving the present social problem but also work to promote education,” he said. There are big confusions over who is responsible to carryout programmes related with education, said the report.

“It has not been clear whether education related programmes are to be carried out by the ministries or local government or municipalities. The Education Act and the Local Self Governance Act are contradictory to each other.” Madhavi Katwal, vice-president of Nepal Teachers Union emphasised on girl friendly education.

High level women unemployment is one of the reason for the parents being unwilling to send their girl children to school, the report said.

The access of girls, ethnic communities and marginalised people to education has been low.