Kathmandu, April 3: At a press meet of a newly elected central committee of PABSON held on April 3, 2022 in Indreni Hotel, Kathmandu, PABSON president DK Dhungana disseminated about the future policy and action plan of PABSON and stated “The government is positive in its attitude towards private schools”.
Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal (PABSON) states that all discriminatory provisions – including 45% reservation scholarship should be scrapped to guarantee equal opportunities to all children in the amenities provided by the state.
President Dhungana said that he will work to fulfill the motto “Education with skill, culture and technology: Skilled human resource is today’s need” during his three-year tenure. He emphasized the prerequisite of a world-class education, adding that PABSON’s main agenda is to improve the teaching space, make reading more systematic through alternative media and emphasize education with skills and technology.
He also said that the government has taken a positive view towards private schools and has started respecting the contribution of private schools. He has also stressed the need to guarantee the security of private sector investment in education by amending required laws and regulations in constitution.
Reestablishment of private schools affected by natural calamities including COVID-19 should be prioritized. The government should permit and encourage the representation of private educational institutions in national and international trainings, seminars, workshops and syllabus discussions organized in regular basis. Government shall facilitate taxation free provision to private schools just like it does to community and trust schools. At the end of the day, all schools work towards a shared purpose – to impart education for the betterment of future. So why disparity when it comes to taxation for private schools?
Similarly, Private schools with well-off-physical infrastructure and adequate manpower should be encouraged to promote technical and vocational training at all levels. The government should give full autonomy to its operation except for national examinations, curriculum designs and monitoring. The government should research, study and merge two or more dilapidated private schools for the smooth operation.
Necessary policy & incentive programs should be set and permanent approval should be provided to schools that have met the set criteria in the given time frame.
PABSON states, “In order to improve education, the government should exempt customs’ duty and tax on vehicles used in schools, laboratory materials, books and other materials”.
Therefore, PABSON demands the state to provide all facilities and tax exemptions to private schools, similar to its provision regarding community and trust schools. After the completion of 15th National Convention abiding by the slogan “Education with skill, culture and technology: Skilled human resource is today’s need” – a working committee comprising 89 members chaired by DK Dhungana has been public through a recent press meet.