PABSON Urges Political Parties to Include Clear Vision for Education Sector in Manifestos Ahead of Elections

Kathmandu. The Private and Residential Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON) has demanded that political parties incorporate a clear, balanced, and long-term vision for the education sector in their election manifestos.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, PABSON Chairman Krishna Prasad Adhikari stated that Nepal's education system has developed through the combined efforts of the public, private, and community sectors, asserting that private schools are not a problem but significant partners in educational reform.  

He emphasized that the education sector should be viewed as the foundation for nation-building, rather than a subject of political maneuvering. He mentioned the necessity of a clear policy to advance the education sector through a public-private-community partnership model and stated that long-term policies must be formulated by accepting the private sector as a strategic partner for educational reform.

PABSON also expressed the view that parents and students must have their right to choose schools, teaching mediums, and educational models secured. While warning that forcibly implementing a single system would adversely affect the education sector, they expressed confidence that a multi-option system would enhance competition and quality.

Furthermore, the organization put forward a demand to ensure legal and policy security for the private investment, infrastructure, and assets made in the education sector. PABSON stated that the investment climate has weakened due to policy instability, sudden legal changes, and unilateral decisions, emphasizing the need for stable and reliable policies.  

Meanwhile, General Secretary RB Katwal expressed concern over the large amount of capital flowing abroad annually for higher education, stating that concrete plans must be advanced in collaboration with the private sector to provide quality higher education within the country.

Similarly, demands were made to respect the contribution made by the private sector in education and provide it with a clear place in education-related acts, policies, and directives; to ensure fair and transparent opportunities for scholarships for students in private schools; and to arrange for personnel working in the private sector to participate in state skill development and educational upgrading programs.

PABSON stated that these issues are not related to any single political party but are matters connected to the nation's future, and therefore, all political parties must include them in their manifestos.