FEKAN Lobbies Government and Political Parties for Deregulation of Educational Consultancy Business

Kathmandu. The Independent Educational Counseling Association, Nepal (FEKAN) has started lobbying the government and political parties to nullify the high deposit amount being imposed on the educational consultancy business and to regulate the business. FEKAN has submitted a memorandum to various government bodies including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and top political leaders, demanding policy reform, effective regulation, and quality management.

FEKAN, which has already created an environment for opening new registrations and renewals, has taken special initiative mainly regarding the deposit issue proposed by the government. FEKAN has presented its views to the Chief of the Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Shriprasad Bhattarai, Secretary Chudamani Sharma, the Education Minister's secretariat, and the Ministry of Law. Similarly, memorandums have been submitted to the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Nepali Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the CPN parliamentary party, and the Chairperson of the Education and Health Committee, Ojjaswi Ghartimagar Sherchan, outlining the problems and solutions for the consultancy business.

In the memorandum, FEKAN has clarified that the main basis for improving the educational counseling sector is effective regulation, not a large deposit. FEKAN states that emphasis should be placed on skilled manpower, digital tracking systems, transparent work processes, and strict legal action. Demanding strict action against illegal institutions operating without permission, those that have not renewed, and those that do not meet the standards, FEKAN has suggested the government consider the existing system where students obtain 'NOC' and pay fees directly through the banking system in policy formulation.

FEKAN has also expressed serious concern about the syndicate and cartelization seen in the market recently. It has been demanded that all legally registered institutions be given equal opportunities, as a few representatives of foreign universities or colleges have created unfair competition in the market. Similarly, FEKAN has drawn the government's attention to bring 'Ed-Tech' companies, digital platforms, and franchises involved in student enrollment and application processes under the same legal and regulatory framework as independent educational counseling institutions and to assign them equal responsibilities.

To make the business quality and regulated, FEKAN has proposed that each educational counseling institution must have at least two certified and qualified counselors. It demands that only counselors who have undergone at least six months to one year of professional training from a university or recognized body or are internationally certified counselors should be recognized.

It has also been suggested to create clear criteria for infrastructure and manpower when registering new institutions. Furthermore, FEKAN has urged to refrain from publicly declaring any institution or individual guilty or defaming them without completing research and legal processes.

In the context of a large amount of foreign currency flowing out of Nepal annually, FEKAN has demanded the introduction of a long-term policy to develop Nepal itself as an educational hub. FEKAN proposes launching a national-level 'Study in Nepal' campaign to attract foreign students by operating international-level programs in fields such as medical education, mountaineering, Himalayan studies, Buddhist philosophy, yoga and meditation, and tourism. The memorandum states that for this, foreign students should be facilitated with visas, accommodation, and study permits.

The memorandum, signed by FEKAN President Umesh Kushwar and General Secretary Dipendra Pokharel, has emphasized the overall protection and quality of the business. FEKAN stated that continuous discussions with stakeholders and political parties are moving in a positive direction, and the basis for creating a business-friendly environment soon is strengthening.