Kathmandu: The Council of Ministers has unveiled the New National Education Policy- 2019 claiming it to be a milestone goal for the education sector. At a press conference held at the Ministry on Thursday, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. GiriRaj Mani Pokharel prepared the education policy.
The policy was adopted to bring about visible changes in the entire education sector in line with the federal democratic republic system of the country. It also delineates the areas of reform to be pursued in the future for developing and administering human resources.
The vision of Nepal’s education policy is “Educated, civilized, healthy and capable human resource, social justice, transformation, and prosperity”.
Likewise, the policy has set a goal to develop human resources aligning the needs and free basic education It also thinks the gradual implementation of the concept of school zoning in basic education. It has envisioned developing Nepal as an outstanding educational hub to provide education in certain subjects. Specialized schools of various subjects, including science, music, sports, Ayurveda and medicinal herbs will be established, operated and managed.
The policy reads “There will be a state-of-the-art national science school to expand the opportunity of science and technology education for citizens. “The salient features of the policy are “Technical education for all“. Under this policy, the government will provide technical and vocational education and skill development opportunities to all interested citizens.
The policy also specifies provision for a higher education council headed by the prime minister, for effective regulation and management of higher education. “Apprenticeship program will be conducted to connect technical and vocational education. The existing organizational structure of universities will be reviewed to strengthen their capacity. It has also envisioned developing Nepal as an education hub that provides world-class education in certain subjects,” reads the policy. The policy has made it mandatory for the higher education graduates to serve the country as a volunteer for a certain time
The policy forwards an idea for operating “National development service” with volunteer service to attain practical skills and knowledge and utilize the benefits of higher education in social service. Nepal will be declared a fully literate country by conducting a life-long learning program. The government will provide an opportunity for inclusive and special education to meet the learning needs of differently-abled children based on priority, encouragement and positive discrimination. The policy also aims to manage qualified and capable teachers at all schools through motivation, professional integrity, and capacity building.
Among other policy arrangements, the performance evaluation of teachers will be based on the learning achievements of students. Permanent teachers will be selected only on the recommendation of the Teacher Service Commission and arrangement of qualified, capable, and self-motivated subject teachers in all schools within five years.
“Quality assurance and accreditation system will be implemented to enhance the standard of higher educational institutions.”- it reads.
Source: THT
