The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST) has announced that it will not celebrate the National Education Day this year. The ministry stated that the celebration has been canceled as many of its government structures, including the ministry itself, have been destroyed by arson.
The ministry's building in Singha Durbar has also been damaged by arson, making it impossible to conduct work there immediately. The ministry had already prepared to celebrate Education Day, which is held annually on Ashwin 2. The ministry had planned to award medals and certificates and give out some prizes at a national-level event.
According to Chudamani Paudel, the ministry's secretary, no formal program will be held this year due to the difficult circumstances. He mentioned that while they will extend formal greetings on Education Day, no other events will take place. Due to the fire, the ministry will temporarily relocate to Kesharmahal to conduct its work. Secretary Paudel also stated that, due to the chaos caused by the protests, the office will work from Kesharmahal for some time.
The ministry was relocated to Singha Durbar in 2068 B.S., having previously operated from Kesharmahal. The fire that spread to Singha Durbar has damaged the ministry's walls, carpets, chairs, and other structures. Cleaning and restoration are estimated to cost seven lakh rupees.
According to Ministry Joint Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, this cost was determined after a study was conducted with representatives of a private cleaning company. He added that an agreement is being made with the same company to proceed with the work. He said, "The company will not build any new structures, but will remove the black soot from the smoke on the walls, ceilings, chairs, and carpets."
