A Sector on Hold: The Future of Private Education in a New Political Era | Prakash Khadka | Sarthak Shikshya
In this episode of Sarthak Shiksha, Narayan Acharya sits down with Prakash Khadka, the General Secretary of N-PABSAN and Principal of Panini School, to discuss the current state of Nepal's education sector amid significant national changes. Mr. Khadka addresses the recent suspension of protests by private educational institutions following the widespread "Gen Z movement." He offers a candid perspective on how these larger political shifts have overshadowed the education sector's concerns, pushing them into a phase of uncertainty. He emphasizes that the entire country is entering a new era, and the educational landscape must now adapt to this evolving reality.
Mr. Khadka explains that while the immediate protests have been put on hold, the core issues facing private education remain unresolved. He shares that institutions are currently in a "wait and see" mode, observing how the new political alignment will address long-standing educational policies and bills. The discussion also touches upon the psychological impact of these disruptions on students, parents, and school operators. He stresses the need for stability and clear direction from the government to ensure that the academic calendar and learning environment can return to normalcy without further interruptions.
Looking ahead, Mr. Khadka calls for a fundamental shift in how education is prioritized in the national agenda. He argues that lasting solutions require more than just temporary fixes and urges the new leadership to focus on creating a sustainable framework that values moral education and character development. His message to students and parents is one of resilience, encouraging them to remain focused on learning while advocating for an educational system that is stable, progressive, and capable of producing responsible citizens. He concludes by highlighting that true reform begins in the classroom and requires collaboration from all stakeholders.
