Higher education warrants focus on research: Minister Bhattarai

Kathmandu, Jan 1: Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bidya Bhattarai viewed higher education needs focusing on research.     

In a discussion held by the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee under the National Assembly with the officials of the Ministry of Education, she said that research-based and technical education was essential for us.     

She informed that that the restructuring of Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) was initiated. The Minister also informed that preparations were made to take CTEVT to the provincial level. "It is necessary to restructure the curriculum of CTEVT. That's why, we have formed a working group. The working group is mandated to publish the report within 10 days."     

Moreover, the Minister said a separate fund was initiated to foster innovation. She demanded Nepal Academy of Science and Technology to work in the field of innovation.     

Minister Bhattarai, however, said it was challenging to implement the policies and laws related to education.     

In the committee meeting, Committee member Madan Kumari Shah opined timely review of curriculum would help make education practical and solution-oriented.     

Another member of the Committee, Padma Bahadur Pariyar, said that although grand buildings were constructed for schools, quality education was still awaited.     

Committee member Yuvraj Sharma viewed discipline of both teachers and students was imperative to guarantee quality education.(RSS)