Bhandari calls for education reform & job creation to strengthen Nepal’s economy

KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari expressed concerns about the state of Nepal’s education sector, feeling that it has not lived up to its potential.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of Arunoday Secondary School on Friday, she emphasized that education should be the cornerstone of nation-building, but this has not been the case.

Bhandari called for the creation of job opportunities within Nepal to prevent students from seeking education abroad after completing secondary school.

She stressed the need for a shift in thinking about development models and the creation of an environment where people can stay in Nepal and contribute to its growth alongside their families.

She also highlighted the importance of reforming the education system to ensure it equips students for employment opportunities, which in turn would enhance national productivity and the dignity of life in the country.

The former president noted that ending the need for Nepali citizens to search for employment abroad is crucial for the country’s future.

Bhandari advocated for a transformation in the education system and a focus on strengthening the national economy, warning that a weak economy leads to weaknesses in social and cultural sectors. She stated that now is the right time for the country’s development, citing the stability of the current government as an opportunity to act, unlike the past when frequent changes in leadership hampered progress.

She also voiced concerns about the nation’s GDP, which remains unsatisfactory, and the growing trade deficit, urging that immediate attention be given to these issues.