KATHMANDU, June 18: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has stated that the government has placed the education and sports sector among its top priorities, with increased allocation and multiple reform-focused programmes in the upcoming fiscal year.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill 2083 in the House of Representatives, Minister Pokharel presented a detailed breakdown of budget allocation, policy direction, and implementation plans for the education and sports sector.
He informed the House that out of the total national budget of Rs 2.12 trillion (Rs 2,12,434.4 million), a total of Rs 218.30 billion has been allocated to the education and sports sector. This accounts for 10.28 percent of the total budget. He noted that although the percentage allocation has decreased slightly by 0.47 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, the total amount has increased by around Rs 7 billion in nominal terms.
According to him, the distribution of the education and sports budget reflects a strong focus on school education, which receives the largest share, followed by higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), sports development, and administrative management.
Within school education alone, which accounts for 69.49 percent of the sectoral allocation, the government has prioritized infrastructure expansion, learning environment improvement, and quality enhancement measures. Out of the total Rs 151.69 billion allocated for school education, Rs 10.45 billion has been specifically earmarked for infrastructure development.
The minister highlighted that investment in education infrastructure, laboratories, libraries, digital learning systems, and teaching materials will be strengthened further in the coming year.
Govt makes a slew of announcements for development of sports, R...
A key highlight of the budget is the expansion of digital learning. Minister Pokharel stated that Rs 1.07 billion has been allocated to equip all community secondary schools with smart boards, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in classroom teaching.
He also announced that skill development and training programmes aligned with labour market demands will be expanded. A total of 7,660 individuals will benefit from new and market-oriented skills training programmes under the upcoming budget cycle.
In terms of examination reforms, the minister stated that arrangements have been made for the provincial-level management of Secondary Education Examination (SEE), with Rs 35 million allocated for this purpose.
He further said that Rs 2.37 billion has been allocated for school infrastructure development through local government partnerships, based on student population, with the exception of certain earthquake-affected districts. This programme aims to ensure equitable development of school facilities across the country.
In addition, Rs 62.40 million has been allocated under the school education sector plan for provincial-level implementation, including funds for infrastructure development and teacher training.
The minister also emphasized targeted investment for remote and disaster-affected regions. He said that separate allocation mechanisms have been designed for student support and infrastructure development, ensuring that vulnerable areas continue to receive focused assistance.
To promote inclusive education, the government has continued the midday meal programme for students from early childhood development to grade five. Students in the former Karnali zone will receive Rs 25 per day, while students in other regions will receive Rs 20 per day under this scheme.
Minister Pokharel also highlighted provisions for students with disabilities, stating that residential scholarship arrangements, inclusive schooling systems, and specialized educational institutions will continue to receive support. He added that each province will establish infrastructure-based residential schools for children with intellectual disabilities.
He further mentioned ongoing reforms in higher education, including efforts to make universities more competitive, research-oriented, and financially sustainable. While encouraging universities to explore independent funding models, he said the government will continue to provide essential financial support where necessary.
An amount of Rs 59 crore has been allocated for programs related to market-oriented education, entrepreneurship development, and institutional performance-based grants for higher education institutions.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding low student enrollment in some schools. He said that the government is working on restructuring and merging schools with very low student numbers, based on geography and accessibility, while ensuring that no child is deprived of the right to education.
On sports development, Minister Pokharel announced incentives for athletes, including cash rewards for winners of national competitions and for those setting new national records. He also confirmed that athletes achieving success in international competitions will receive state honors and financial recognition under existing sports regulations.
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening sports infrastructure, promoting talent development, and improving the overall competitiveness of Nepali athletes at national and international levels.
Minister Pokharel also said the government will continue reforms in curriculum development, digital education expansion, inclusive learning, and education governance to improve overall quality and efficiency in the sector in the coming fiscal year.
