KATHMANDU: Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said the government is actively working to address existing problems in the education and sports sectors through concrete policy measures.
Speaking to journalists while briefing cabinet decisions on Thursday, Minister Pokharel clarified that annual admission fees are not permitted under existing education regulations.
She emphasized that the federal government is playing a coordinating role, while the authority to regulate and take action regarding secondary-level education lies with local governments.
She noted that the ministry has already held discussions with representatives from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and several other municipalities and rural municipalities, and has forwarded received complaints to the respective local levels for necessary action.
On the issue of encroached land belonging to Tribhuvan University, the minister said that a report has already been prepared and notices have been issued to vacate the occupied areas.
She also informed that the process for appointing the university’s Vice-Chancellor is in its final stage, and the government will prioritize reclaiming encroached land immediately after the appointment.
Addressing concerns over cost-cutting policies and advisory appointments, Minister Pokharel stated that only one of the five advisors at the ministry is salaried, while the remaining serve on an honorary basis.
She argued that this arrangement does not place a significant financial burden on the state treasury.
