The Private and Boarding Schools' Organization Nepal (PABSON) has called on political parties to adopt a more balanced and long-term vision for the education sector in their upcoming election manifestos.
Organizing a press conference on Sunday, the umbrella body of private schools emphasized that education should be treated as a foundation for nation-building rather than a subject of political experimentation. PABSON asserted that private schools are integral to Nepal's education system and urged parties to ensure investment security and policy stability.
The Five-Point Demand:
Policy Based on Public-Private-Community Partnership: PABSON advocates a clear policy to develop the education sector not solely as a state responsibility, but through a collaborative Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model. It emphasizes that the private education sector should be positioned as a strategic partner in national education reform.
Parents' and Students' Right to Choose: The organization firmly stated that the right to choose a school, the medium of instruction (Nepali, English, or mother tongue), and the educational model must rest with parents and students. It warned against imposing a single system by force, stating that such a move would not benefit any private education entity. It argued that multiple choices make the education system more democratic, practical, and competitive.
Security and Stability for Private Investment in Education: PABSON demanded legal and policy protection for private investment, infrastructure, and assets in the education sector. It highlighted that policy instability, periodic legal changes, and unilateral decisions have weakened the investment climate. It called for an end to this trend and the establishment of stable, trustworthy, and long-term policies.
Measures to Prevent Capital Flight: Pointing to the stark reality of significant capital leaving Nepal annually for higher education abroad, PABSON urged the development of a robust, long-term education policy in cooperation with the private sector. The goal is to make high-quality education available nationwide to retain this capital in Nepal.
Respect for Private Sector Contribution and Legal Reforms: This point calls for recognizing the private sector's contribution to education by ensuring it has a clear role in relevant acts, policies, and directives. It also requires fair, transparent, and equitable scholarship opportunities for all students, including those at private institutions. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure that all private-sector employees can participate in state-provided skill development and educational enhancement programs.
A Call for a Unified National Agenda
PABSON clarified that these issues are not tied to any specific political party but are crucial matters linked to the nation's future. The organization expressed its readiness to cooperate with all political parties, policymakers, and stakeholders to establish the education sector as a common national agenda, not a political tool.
"Education is not a subject for political experimentation; education is the foundation of nation-building. Therefore, private schools are not a problem but an integral and important partner in Nepal's education system," the statement read.
Concluding the conference, PABSON extended best wishes for a fair, fearless, and participatory upcoming election and expressed confidence that political parties would give due importance to the issues raised in their manifestos.
