Private Educational Institutions Demand Abolition of 3% Equity Education Service Fee Tax

Kathmandu. Private educational institutions have demanded the abolition of the three percent equity education service fee tax. Holding a press conference in Kathmandu today, Sunday, they demanded the abolition of the equity education service fee tax, stating that the provision of imposing a three percent equity education service fee on all educational fees collected from students is not practical, just, or sustainable in the long run.

PABSON, AN PABSON, HISSAN, and APEN have jointly issued a press release and drawn the government's attention to six serious issues. Highlighting the significant role the private sector has played in the development and expansion of the country's school education for over four decades, private education sector has expressed disagreement and objection to some provisions in the budget and financial arrangements for the fiscal year 2083-084 and the recently issued Education Regulations (Tenth Amendment).

According to statistics, approximately 3.741 million students are studying in 10,471 private schools operating across the country. The statement mentions that this sector is making a significant contribution to the country's economy, job creation, and educational infrastructure.

They have demanded that educational loans of at least Rs 1 million be provided at a concessional interest rate without collateral to ensure access to higher education for students from all classes, and that the "Study While Earning" program be effectively expanded in partnership with the private sector. They emphasized that public holidays and the academic calendar should be determined in consultation with stakeholders, and decisions should be made at least six months before the start of the academic session to ensure policy stability.

Clarifying that the private education sector is not a competitor to the government but a co-traveler and strategic partner in educational development, the organizations have demanded the assurance of institutional participation of private sector representative organizations in the policy-making process. They have urged for a review of certain provisions included in the tenth amendment of the Education Regulations, which appear to create complexities in school management, discipline, and accountability, to ensure a balance between students' rights and the institutional accountability of schools.