Future Star Secondary School’s Future Remains Uncertain Amid Transfer Approval Delays

June 2, Kathmandu – Future Star Secondary School in ward no. 8 of Suryabinayak Municipality, Bhaktapur, remains in uncertainty due to the local government’s refusal to grant transfer approval for the past eight years. Until 2015 (Nepali calendar 2072), the school operated in Ward no. 3, Bhaktapur Municipality, formerly ward no. 16.

According to the school operator Ramesh Suwal, the school needed relocation following the earthquake. After discussions with representatives of Suryabinayak and locals in Khapi, they decided to operate the school there.

“The earthquake necessitated moving the school. The locals of Khapi welcomed this, so we decided to operate the school there,” Suwal explained. On January 23, 2019 (Magh 10, 2075), he applied to Suryabinayak Municipality for transfer approval.

The then ward chairperson of ward no. 8, Kiran Thapa Magar, conducted a field assessment and recommended to the municipality that operating the school there would cause no issues. “As per regulations, the ward recommended the transfer and operation in this ward,” he said.

However, in 2019 (2076) with the implementation of the new constitution and the first local elections, the process became complicated and was delayed. In 2020 (2077), based on the ward’s recommendation, the municipality issued a 35-day public notice regarding the transfer on July 11.

The notice stated, “If there are objections to the transfer, submit a written petition within 35 days; otherwise, it will be accepted as per rules.”

No objections came forward, raising expectations that Suwal would receive approval. However, no decision was made between March and April 2021. “They said the decision would come soon, but it did not,” Suwal lamented.

In 2021 (2078), Suryabinayak Municipality requested a recommendation from Bhaktapur Municipality. Bhaktapur then issued a 35-day public notice opposing the transfer on July 18, 2022 (Shrawan 2, 2079), but by October 22, 2022 (Asoj 6), the recommendation was granted.

After receiving Bhaktapur’s recommendation, it was declared that the school would no longer be under Bhaktapur’s jurisdiction. Suryabinayak Municipality also issued a 35-day notice for the transfer process, which prompted Suwal to agree with Bhaktapur’s conditions.

After submitting all documentation to the education committee in Suryabinayak and awaiting approval at a meeting scheduled in April 2023 (Baisakh 2080), no decision was reached.

Suwal said, “The municipality imposed a new condition requiring ownership of a house or land in the name of the company or shareholders. But we have been operating the school by leasing land for five years under the previous rules.”

“All previous recommendations were obtained and the transfer done accordingly, but at the time of approval the rules changed,” he complained.

Without approval, Suwal has been left uncertain and observed that another school nearby was recently transferred and received approval within two years. He claimed, “Some officials close to the municipality influenced that outcome. We have not received approval for eight years.”

However, Suryabinayak Municipality denies any discrimination, stating that the school does not meet the criteria. Municipality Chief Waseudev Thapa said, “There is no retaliation; all Nepalis are treated equally.” Nonetheless, Suwal maintains his grievances.

Due to the unresolved status, Future Star Secondary School has been conducting students’ exams under Bhaktapur Municipality’s jurisdiction to ensure exam continuity. “Students’ exams have not been stopped; this is a right guaranteed by the constitution,” he said.

After requests and pressures to all relevant authorities regarding the transfer failed, Suryabinayak Municipality issued a notice to close the school on April 21, 2025 (Baisakh 9, 2082).

“They ordered closure without unnecessary discussions or clarifications,” Suwal complained. He also accused local representatives of supporting another school to pressure his school to shut down.

He questioned, “Despite ward recommendations and the municipality’s 35-day notice, why was approval withheld?”

The municipality head responded, “Whatever actions the ward takes, the education committee, which I chair, makes the final decision.”

Having failed to secure approval despite numerous efforts with local representatives, Suwal has resorted to the courts. “On May 28, 2026 (Baisakh 14, 2083), we filed a petition at the High Court in Patan with three demands: annul the municipality’s blocking decision, cancel the related letter, and obtain the transfer approval. Even if the municipality denies justice, we hope the court will grant it,” he said.

Currently, Future Star Secondary School educates students from playgroup up to class 10. The school operates on a rented 2.5 ropani (approx. 1,350 sq. meters) plot and employs 27 teachers and staff.

“Our constitutional rights to operate our business and profession have been obstructed,” Suwal emphasized as he continues to seek justice through the courts.