A Cabinet decision to hand over the land of Purnamrit Bhawani Secondary School in Waling, Syangja, to the Armed Police Force (APF) has drawn controversy. The school has objected, saying the land acquisition process was moved ahead without its consent.
At its meeting on October 5, the Cabinet approved the acquisition of land at plot number 482 in Waling Municipality-8, which is owned by the school. The plot measures 29 ropani, 5 aana, 2 paisa and 1 dam. The Cabinet also directed that the process be taken forward.
Expressing disagreement with the decision, the school submitted a letter of protest on Friday to Chief District Officer Nirajan Ghimire.
The government took the decision to manage land for the APF Nepal Gulma No. 30 headquarters, which was established in 2060 BS to look after security in Waling and surrounding areas. The Gulma is currently based on land owned by the school.
In a press statement, the school drew the attention of the government and concerned bodies to the need for an environment in which it can use its movable and immovable property for educational activities. The school said it received the land from a donor and cannot give it up, since it plans to use it for educational purposes in the future. It plans to run classes in subjects including medicine, forestry, engineering, agriculture and bioengineering.
According to the school’s principal, Deepak Lamsal, stakeholders were brought together at the Waling Municipality assembly hall on August 21 to discuss the land and gather suggestions. While those discussions were still ongoing, the APF Gulma No. 30 posted a notice on October 28 about acquiring the land, and the school objected.
Considering Waling’s growing population and educational needs, the school has proposed building a child-friendly park on the land and expanding technical education. It has also demanded that the decision, taken without the consent of the school management committee, teachers, guardians and other stakeholders, be reconsidered.
CDO Ghimire said the preliminary process of land acquisition has begun. After a report is received from the Gulma commander, an APF deputy superintendent, a 15-day public notice will be issued. He said a file containing opinions, based on the suggestions and complaints received during that period, will then be sent to the Home Ministry.
The school said that while proper arrangements for the APF are necessary, decisions should not be made in a way that harms children’s learning environment and the school’s future. It has urged that solutions to matters with long-term effects be sought through discussion and consensus among all stakeholders.
The statement said the school management committee and school community are always open to discussion. It also said the concerned bodies must be held responsible for any consequences arising from ignoring the notice issued by the school.
