Private School Administrators' Anger: We are educators, not mafia

Private School Administrators' Anger: We are educators, not mafia

Kathmandu: Private school administrators have expressed anger over the proposed Education Act 2080, stating their disagreement with the subjects mentioned in the Act's provisions.

A deadline until the 27th of Saun (August) has been given to address the issues raised. Following that, a warning has been issued to schools to participate in the program of school closure. In addition to the indefinite school closures, starting from Bhadra 1 (mid-August), they have cautioned that the school transportation vehicles will be parked in public spaces, disrupting transportation movement, as a deterrent.

In the private school sector, they have claimed to have invested around 5 billion rupees, stating that they are unable to transform schools into centers of education.

Speaking at the United Journalists Conference organized in Kathmandu, the outgoing president of PABSON, Tikaram Puri, stated that while they consider themselves as educators, the state portrays them as mafia-like figures.

"We are educators, not mafia. If we are labeled as education mafia, it's an injustice to us," stated Puri.

The provision in the law that requires private schools to transition into an educational trust within 5 years is seen by them as intolerable. They feel that the government is making unwarranted moves to control their structure without even consulting them.

After reaching a "do or die" situation, they describe themselves as being compelled to implement stringent programs, such as school closures.
 

"We have invested our entire lives in this. Our efforts and investments are devoted to this. After enduring so much hardship and struggle, if the government now decides to fully privatize all these institutions, who will bear the burden?" he questioned.

PABSON's president, Dikesh Dhungana, has revealed that the government has been trying to put a lock on their aspirations.

The statement that schools need to transition into trusts within 5 years is interpreted by them as a deceptive maneuver to eventually establish public schools. In 2058 (2001-2002), options were given to private schools to operate under cooperatives, companies, or trusts. At that time, private schools had chosen to register under the company category. However, the government is now seeking to put schools under trusts again, which they consider as a contradiction.

"We have invested more than 5 billion rupees. The state should compensate us appropriately by conducting a fair valuation of our investments. We are ready to surrender to the state. How can we possibly give up so easily?" he questioned.

The president of NEPABSON, Pandav Hamal, has stated that the state's introduction of laws in a divisive manner contradicts the principle of the 'Rule of Law'.

The Constitution itself has established provisions for property rights, and in this context, they perceive that the law is seeking to publicize their assets.

The government's pursuit of advancing in a unilateral manner is seen as contrary to democratic values and has issued a strong warning against opposing it with strength.

The president of the faction, Ramesh Silwal, has highlighted certain non-constitutional aspects present in the law's provisions and emphasized that those aspects will be invalidated in accordance with the constitution.

The Constitution warns the state of grave consequences if it attempts to engage in activities that violate someone's property rights. He points out that the subjects covered in the provisions should be reconsidered by the Cabinet itself. He emphasizes that the state, being the guardian of all, should avoid committing injustices against its citizens.

"The state should act as a guardian. It can regulate us. We are here to cooperate for that. We will provide further support. However, we disagree when it comes to controlling and overseeing us," he stated.

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