Investment in education is result-oriented programme: Finance Minister

Minister for Finance Janardan Sharma has asserted that investment could be considered for productive and result-oriented plans and programmes in the education sector.

Inaugurating the 12th annual general assembly of the National Campaign for Education (NCE) here Saturday, Minister Sharma clarified that he would not allocate budget for any proposal presented without proper homework, plan and vision.

The Minister expressed dismay over the investment in the education sector going in vain while issuing approval for schools and colleges without proper study. He shared that he was committed to ensuring free public education and establishing equality in the education sector as mandated in the constitution of the country.

The Minister also called for cooperation from all sides at the community level for the effective implementation of the government’s ‘Padhdhai Kamaudai’ (Earning while learning) programme.

Similarly, Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Dr Hari Lamsal said retaining female students till higher education in the public schools was a mounting challenge. However, gender equality was being achieved in the country’s education sector, he added.

Likewise, educationist Bimal Phuyal urged the concerned authorities to launch a discourse and discussion on the report of the High-Level National Education Commission in the parliament so as to increase investment in the education sector.

Another educationist Bidyanath Koirala commented that although the constitution and manifestos of the political parties had envisaged public-oriented and productive education, there was confusion about how to implement such type of education.

Also speaking in the event, CPN UML lawmaker Bidya Bhattarai pledged her full commitment to improving/reform public education.

NCE’s Nepal Chapter President Dilliram Subedi shared that their campaign had reached 45 districts and was associated with 416 educational institutions.