Kathmandu | 23rd Shrawan: In a unanimous stance, private school associations have announced their intent to temporarily suspend operations of educational institutions nationwide, pending amendments to the proposed School Education Act. Despite receiving recommendations from these private school organizations, the government appears poised to unveil the School Education Act without engaging the private sector, thereby jeopardizing its viability. As a result, the concerned private sector has strategized to close all private schools across the country, with the objective of reshaping the school education act to safeguard their investments.

During a joint press conference convened by PABSON, National PABSAN, and HISSAN today, the collective apprehensions of private school organizations were brought to the forefront. It was underscored that specific provisions within the bill not only manifest partiality towards institutional schools funded by private investment, but also contradict the constitution, rendering them unworkable and unjust.

The proposed Bill mandates the conversion of private investment schools into educational trusts within a five-year timeframe, a stipulation that is deemed unconstitutional, unfeasible, and inadequately considered. This directive has elicited dissent from the private school sector.

The introduction of the proposed Bill has ignited a contentious debate, as it excludes representation from the umbrella organization of private schools in various committees and sub-committees, leading to allegations of bias and inequity. The organizations caution that if the bill is sanctioned in its current formulation, it will significantly hinder the growth, development, protection, and progression of private investment schools, potentially culminating in their closure.

In the event that the concerns voiced by private schools remain unaddressed prior to the bill's presentation in parliament, they have forewarned that schools operating under corporate entities, private groups, and public entities nationwide will halt operations until their demands are duly acknowledged.

Furthermore, the press release delineates seven fundamental amendments that private schools are advocating for within the framework of the School Education Act. These proposed modifications encompass a spectrum of aspects, including institutional conversion, fee regulations, school management committees, representation within educational bodies, appointment and terms of teachers and staff, governmental responsibilities in education, and provisions for scholarships.

To amplify their concerns, private schools have orchestrated a sequence of protest measures, encompassing the submission of a memorandum, constructive dialogues with relevant stakeholders, and culminating in an indefinite suspension of schools, accompanied by a demonstration involving school vehicles in public spaces. These actions are scheduled to unfold between the 24th and 29th of Shrawan.

The press conference, held at Indreni Foodland in New Baneshwor, featured addresses by key figures, including DK Dhungana, President of PABSON; Ramesh Kumar Silwal, President of HISSAN; Pandav Hamal, President of National PABSAN; Tika Ram Puri, former President of PABSON; and Subas Neupane, Co-President of National PABSAN in the presence of a substantial gathering of private school owners from the Kathmandu valley.