Kathmandu, Aug 17: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has said that a lasting policy solution to educational problems would be sought based on dialogue and the stakeholders’ suggestions.
Minister Pokharel posted on social media today that since taking office as the Minister of Education, he has been adopting a ‘listening and learning’ approach to seriously understand issues in the education sector.
He said that during the first 100 days, some rules and guidelines necessary for reform and good governance were worked out, and now the ministry’s priority is focused on the new Education Act, the Technical Education Act, and contemporary reforms in higher education.
Minister Pokharel stated that in this context, a team led by the ministry’s chief advisor and the head of the School Education Division is reaching all seven provinces through the ‘Education Dialogue’ programme, collecting issues, suggestions, and expectations from stakeholders related to the education sector.
The ministry has stated that through dialogue, work is being carried out to directly hear the concerns of local authorities, teachers, education staff, parents, schools, and students. Issues and concerns of early childhood development (ECD) facilitators, teachers, school management, school staff, parents, and students have also been prioritized in the dialogue.
Minister Pokharel said that the suggestions received about the role of local bodies, challenges in school management, and various policy issues in the education sector will be used as a basis for future reforms in the education sector.
Stakeholders who cannot physically attend the dialogue can send their suggestions, problems, and expectations through the ‘Education Dialogue: Suggestions, Problems, and Expectations Collection Form.’ The ministry has said that the received suggestions will be included in the policy formulation process.
Similarly, the Department of Education is preparing to collect suggestions on the education bill by involving local governments in all seven provinces. It is said that the expert team formed to revise the national curriculum framework has also reached the final stage of their work.
The Education Minister has expressed his commitment to quickly finalize the Education Bill by listening to everyone’s concerns, learning from experts where necessary, and making decisions based on facts.
He stated that the ministry is clear and firm in finding sustainable policy solutions to educational problems. It is stated that one can contact 9851014006 to participate in the ‘Education Dialogue’ programme.
