Kathmandu, October 14
The government plans to spend Rs 6.54 billion in the current fiscal year to improve the physical infrastructure of 109 community schools with more than 2,000 students each.
The budget has been allocated for the construction of modern school buildings and expansion of existing infrastructure, according to the secretariat of Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel.
In the first phase, Rs 5.34 billion has already been released for 89 schools, the minister’s secretariat said.
The released funds will be used to construct three-storey buildings with 12 rooms at each school, according to the ministry. Each building is estimated to cost around Rs 60 million and will include classrooms, laboratories and a library.
Minister Pokhrel said the government has prioritised infrastructure improvements at community schools facing high student enrolment. While some community schools are experiencing a rise in student numbers, others are struggling with a shortage of students, he said.
“It is encouraging that some community schools have high student enrolment, but we are equally aware of the reality that some are facing a shortage of students,” Pokhrel said. “To address this disparity among schools, we have begun infrastructure improvements at larger schools.”
He said the government would work to improve the educational quality and physical infrastructure of all community schools in the coming days, with the aim of reducing disparities between them.
Pokhrel also stressed the need for cooperation among teachers, parents and students to improve the quality of education and develop infrastructure in community schools.
