Local Governments Proceed with Student Enrollment Despite Central Government Directives

The central government decided that student enrollment would begin from Baishakh 15 and classes would commence from Baishakh 21. However, local governments in Tanahun, Rupandehi, and Pyuthan have started enrollment and classes from Baishakh 2, contrary to the central directive. PABSON brought this issue to the attention of the Minister of Education, who reiterated that classes should start from Baishakh 15.

On Baishakh 2 in Kathmandu, some local governments have initiated the enrollment and teaching process, disregarding the federal government’s schedule which mandates enrollment from Baishakh 15 and classes from Baishakh 21.

For instance, the Anbukhaireni Rural Municipality in Tanahun issued a notice to start enrollment and classes from Baishakh 2. Since education management for basic and secondary levels is constitutionally delegated to local bodies, the municipality began its academic session accordingly. The notice from Rural Municipality Chairperson Shukra Chuman stated, “All community and institutional schools within this municipality have been instructed to commence the enrollment campaign and regular classes from Baishakh 2.”

Similarly, the Bandipur Rural Municipality in Tanahun decided to run enrollment from Baishakh 2 to 8, with classes starting from Baishakh 9. Chairperson Surendra Bahadur Thapa said, “Preparations including assessing learning achievements and annual work plans will be completed by Baishakh 8. We have already initiated the enrollment campaign from today. Classes will begin from Baishakh 9.” He explained that since an academic calendar was prepared, the session was started accordingly. “Without starting classes as per the calendar, courses cannot be completed. Nearby schools have already started classes,” he added.

The Tilottama Municipality in Rupandehi announced that student enrollment would begin on Baishakh 7 and regular classes on Baishakh 10. A statement from Municipality Chief Ramkrishna Khan mentions that educational and various promotional and creative programs have been running since Baishakh 2. Likewise, the Jhimruk Rural Municipality in Pyuthan has also initiated early student enrollment. “Enrollment started today; classes will commence from Baishakh 10,” said Chairperson Pit Bahadur Mahtar.

Following final examinations on Chaitra 10, a long vacation led many students to enroll elsewhere, prompting these local governments to start enrollment early. “The Constitution and Local Government Operation Act empower local bodies up to lower secondary levels. Accordingly, we have designed and are implementing the academic calendar,” Mahtar added.

However, the federal government has issued instructions to conduct enrollment only from Baishakh 15. “We have officially issued directives and circulars to commence enrollment from the 15th,” said Anu Prasad Nyaupane, Director General of the Education and Human Resource Development Center.

PABSON Kathmandu issued a notice stating enrollment starts from Baishakh 2, preparatory classes from Baishakh 7, and regular classes from Baishakh 15. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a PABSON team met with Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel to draw attention to this issue. “We have informed the Minister, who instructed that classes should begin only from Baishakh 15,” said PABSON Chairperson Krishna Adhikari.