Education sector prioritized in upcoming budget, says Minister Pokharel
According to the minister, 77.13 percent of the total education budget has been transferred to local levels as fiscal grants.
KATHMANDU: Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has stated that the budget allocated to the education sector for the upcoming fiscal year clearly reflects the government’s strong priority toward education.
Responding to lawmakers’ queries and suggestions during the deliberation on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives regarding the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Minister Pokharel made the remarks.
According to the minister, 77.13 percent of the total education budget has been transferred to local levels as fiscal grants.
Similarly, 2.26 percent has been allocated to provincial governments and 20.61 percent to the federal level. Of the federal allocation, 62.91 percent has been set aside for pensions of retired teachers.
Overall, 78.20 percent of the education budget will be spent on salaries and pensions.
The ministry has allocated 84.44 percent of the budget to school education, 10.63 percent to higher education, 1.91 percent to technical and vocational education, and 0.43 percent to science and technology.
Out of the Rs 21.65 billion allocated for higher education, programs will be implemented through the Medical Education Commission and the University Grants Commission.
Minister Pokharel also acknowledged the lack of an integrated document for improving school physical infrastructure and said that Rs 931 million has been allocated for a nationwide detailed survey of community schools in the coming year.
He further noted a significant increase in school operational grants, raising the Rs 25,000 previously provided to schools operating up to Grade 10 to Rs 100,000—an increase of around 400 percent.
To promote digital learning, Rs 1.07 billion has been allocated for smart board management in all secondary community schools, along with Rs 483.2 million for digital learning materials.
The midday meal program for students from early childhood development to Grade 5 will continue.
Under this program, students in Karnali will receive Rs 25 per day, while students in other districts will receive Rs 20 per day.
The government has also allocated budget across all local levels to encourage nutritious midday meals based on local products.
