The Government of Nepal, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has issued a directive prohibiting schools from enrolling students or collecting any form of fees before the official start of the academic session.
The ministry stated that it has received multiple complaints from various sources regarding schools enrolling students in advance and charging admission or other fees prior to the commencement of the academic year. The issue has drawn serious attention from the authorities.
As per the Education Regulations, 2059, student enrollment is not permitted before the academic session begins. Additionally, schools are only allowed to collect approved fees under authorized headings after enrollment has been completed in accordance with prevailing laws.
However, reports indicate that some schools have been charging advance fees, collecting amounts higher than the approved limits, using unauthorized fee categories, and even charging admission fees multiple times for the same student. These practices have been identified as violations of existing regulations.
The ministry has also referenced a ruling by the Supreme Court, which clearly states that schools must not enroll students or collect fees before the academic session begins, and must adhere strictly to legal provisions regarding fee structures.
In cases where schools have already collected advance or unauthorized fees, the ministry has instructed that such amounts must be refunded immediately. It has also called for proper monitoring and necessary action against institutions found violating the rules.
Following this, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has formally communicated the directive to all local governments, including municipalities and rural municipalities, requesting them to ensure compliance, carry out monitoring, and take appropriate action where necessary.
