Minister demands five more days for consensus on Education Bill-2080

Kathmandu, July 6: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Rajhuji Panta, has demanded five more days for forging consensus on School Education Bill-2080.     

Parliamentary Committee on Education, Health and Information Technology responded in positive to the Minister's demand, according to Committee Chairman Amar Bahadur Thapa.     

Minister Panta sought additional time in the Committee meeting, reasoning that some issues were yet to be sorted out in view of the concerns shown by Teachers' Federation. However, the Minister committed to concluding the Bill as soon as possible.     

"It is imperative to pay heed to stakeholders' concern," he said, adding that few points still warrant clarity. So, some more days are essential, Minister reiterated.     

In the meeting, Committee member Shyam Ghimire also shared that they were talking to Teachers' Federation and finalizing the Bill soon.     

Another member Chhabi Lal Bishwokarma stressed the need of ensuring ownership to all sides concerned in the Bill.     

Member Bidya Bhattarai viewed promotion of teachers should be made transparent. Sarita Bhusal expressed worry why the consensus still eluded despite holding 50 rounds of meeting on the Bill.     

Rekha Sharma urged all to speed up the Bill.     

Devendra Paudel reminded the Committee does not entertain party whip so we need to move ahead quickly.     

Ishwori Gharti was for the teacher's promotion as determined by the Committee.     

Not only of teachers but also of students' voices must be paid heed in the Bill, argued Sumana Shrestha.     

Gyanu Basnet said Committee should itself resolve thorny issues in the Bill.(RSS)