Kathmandu, June 16, 2006

The Government and the Maoists today agreed on an eight-point agenda which has, among others, agreed to frame an interim statute, an interim government, declare the date for an election to a constituent assembly and dissolve the revived House of Representatives and the Maoists’ People’s Governments based on mutual understanding.

The agreement was reached at a meeting between the leaders of the seven-party alliance and the Maoists at the prime minister’s residence.

Both sides agreed to request the United Nations for management and monitoring of the armed forces of both sides to ensure a free and fair election to a constituent assembly.

International observers could also be invited to monitor the constituent assembly election, if need be, according to the press statement issued at the end of the nine hour-long meeting.

The parties and the Maoists would conduct their political activities in a peaceful manner expressing firm commitments to competitive multiparty democracy, civil liberties, fundamental rights, human rights, press freedom, rule of law and democratic norms and values.

They have also agreed to reach an understanding before taking any major decision that may impact on the nation.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to the 12-point understanding between the alliance and the Maoists and the Ceasefire Code of Conduct signed between the Government and the Maoists on May 26.

‘HSEB merger with OCE can better SLC results’

A report titled “Study on student performance in SLC” has suggested that the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) be merged with Office of the Controller of Examinations (OCE), Sanothimi, to create a secondary education board (SEB) and that this board be given the mandate to conduct the Grade 12 examinations.

The report also suggested that doing so would boost the institutional capacity of the OCE. Prepared jointly by the Ministry of Education and Sports and Education Sector Advisory Team, the report with its major findings and suggestions was made public here today.

The study is the most intensive one in the education sector, with 551 schools as sample schools and 26,267 students, 4,500 teachers and 5,600 parents as interviewees. The study began in April 2004 and was completed in May 2005.

The report states that the OCE is good at logistics management, but it does not have the tenets of a professional testing institution. “It seriously lacks expertise and professional capacity in test development and test analysis and reporting.

It also lacks the institutional and financial autonomy required that would enable it to function as a professional testing institution,” states the report.