As a citizen of Nepal, I hope that under the leadership of Mahabir Pun, our newly appointed Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, we will see a positive transformation in the education sector. The younger generation, especially GenZ, has started taking a new direction for the development of the country, and this moment feels like the right time for change. Our nation faces countless problems, and corruption has become one of the biggest obstacles in every field. It continues to drag us backward, weakening the foundation of our society. Yet, with this new leadership, many of us dream of a Nepal that is more developed, fair, and free from such practices.
In the context of Nepal, education has sadly become one of the most corrupt sectors. The government of Nepal recently announced a budget of Rs 18.6trn for the fiscal year 2024/25, which is 6.2 percent more than the previous year and 21.56 percent higher than the revised budget. While the government’s increasing investment in education is positive, the reality is that these funds are rarely utilized properly. A large share of top private boarding schools and colleges in Nepal are owned or influenced by major political parties, and instead of prioritizing students, many of these institutions have turned into profit-making machines. Education, which should be a public service and a means of building the future of the country, has been treated as a business. My suggestion to Pun is clear: education must be made free from politics and corruption.
In Nepal, the cost of education has become unbearable for many parents. Fees continue to climb unchecked, while government monitoring and regulation remain weak or ineffective. The gap between private and government schools continues to widen, with very little effort to bridge it. Today, private schools and Montessori centers have appeared on almost every street corner. Children as young as two years old are being pressured into formal schooling, even though international practice clearly recommends that formal education should begin at the age of five. I have personally experienced this issue. When my son was only two, I visited some schools for future planning, and I was shocked to receive continuous calls and pressure from those institutions to admit him. This is one small example of how unregulated our education system has become.
During my visits, I once went to a government school that had good infrastructure and facilities. They told me that my child was too young and advised me to bring him back when he was older. I was impressed by this sense of responsibility and honesty, and I left that school feeling hopeful. Unfortunately, I could not admit my son there the following year because the school was too far from my home, and I did not have time to manage daily travel for pick-up and drop-off. This shows how even when government schools are good, practical challenges prevent many parents from choosing them. The government must work to promote and strengthen public schools, making them not just affordable but also accessible to families across the country.
Another serious problem lies in the unfair fee structures of private schools and colleges. In many institutions, children within the same classroom are charged different fees based on discounts, personal connections, or family background. This practice is neither fair nor just. Although Nepal has officially declared free education at the basic level, the truth is that very few children actually benefit from it. One way to improve accountability and standards in government schools would be to make it compulsory for government employees to send their children to public schools. This would ensure that those who design education policies are equally invested in their quality and outcomes.
In our country, there is a widespread but wrong perception that choosing a government school is not a good decision. Many people believe that government schools and colleges do not provide a proper learning environment, which is a misconception. In reality, studying in government schools and colleges should be seen as a matter of pride.
Of course, in certain technical fields of higher education—such as medicine, engineering, and nursing—specialized institutions may play an important role. But overall, there is no supportive environment that encourages parents to enroll their children in government schools. Ironically, while people want government jobs, they hesitate to send their children to government schools. This contradiction reflects the urgent need to improve the quality, trust, and dignity of public education in Nepal.
Beyond cost and regulation, the physical environment of schools must also be addressed. Many government schools and colleges have large compounds and spacious buildings but suffer from poor hygiene and maintenance. Toilets are often dirty, drinking water is unsafe, and waste management is neglected. These conditions discourage regular attendance and make it especially difficult for girls to continue their education during menstruation. A safe, clean, and dignified environment is just as important as quality teaching. Without this, education cannot flourish.
Pun has long been a symbol of innovation, dedication, and social reform in Nepal. His contributions in the field of science and technology have inspired the entire nation. Now, as he takes on the responsibility of leading the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, there is a collective hope that he will focus on making education affordable, equitable, and inclusive. If corruption and profiteering in the education sector can be reduced, if public schools can be strengthened, and if the system can be made fairer and more accountable, then Nepal can move towards becoming a knowledge-driven nation.
I dream, dream of countless parents, that our children will one day have access to quality education at an affordable cost, free from political influence and corruption. Education should never be a burden for families—it should be a tool of empowerment, an equalizer of opportunity, and the foundation for a stronger Nepal. With strong leadership and honest reforms, this dream can become a reality.
