What kind of education after the Gen Z movement?

Nepali education after the Gen-G movement should be technical and vocational. Without multidimensional, multifaceted, and practical education, the country's development is not possible.

कार्तिक १८, २०८२

रमेशप्रसाद गौतम

What kind of education after the Gen Z movement?

The Gen-G-led rebellion has also brought about a change in the sentiments of the general Nepali people. This movement has represented the sentiments of the Nepalis. Education after the Gen-G movement should be technical and professional. And, there should be comprehensive reforms in the education sector, which has been made ugly by political divisions. The education bill prepared in the name of improving the educational situation has become entangled in confusion and many disputes.

To understand the context of Nepal's education development so far, one must understand the Rana regime that ruled continuously for 104 years. That regime was ended by the 2007 revolution and democracy emerged. Only then did the wave of education begin to spread throughout the country.

The 2007 revolution is the biggest change and awareness in the modern history of Nepal. It was after that revolution that the people, who were considered as commoners, were able to enjoy their rights as citizens, the people became sovereign and empowered, and the fundamental rights of the common citizen were ensured. Now the people could read and write. Thus, the 2007 revolution took a big leap forward in every field, including education.

It is said that the establishment of modern education in Nepal began around 1910 BS. It can be considered that the foundation of education was laid. Then the established Ranipokhari Sanskrit Pathshala, Durbar School, and Trichandra College helped to light the light of education. After the rise of democracy in 2007, there was widespread enthusiasm and interest in the education sector. Many works were being completed in education through the government level and the people's activism. Apart from government investment, extensive progress was also being made in the education sector from the private sector. As a result, many schools started opening. To preserve the cultural traditions of the nation, the development of arts and sciences and other professional fields also started. As a result, Tribhuvan University was established in BS 2016.

In this way, from primary education to higher education institutions were being established. Along with the development and expansion in education, the number of teachers and employees also increased. Moreover, after 2028, the number of employees from school level to university level started increasing significantly. The increase in the number of teachers started to reach lakhs from thousands. Government grants for educational institutions also increased significantly.

In 2015, the general election was held on the basis of a multi-party democratic system. In that election, Nepali Congress leader BP Koirala was elected. There was great enthusiasm and excitement among the Nepalese people. A government was formed under the leadership of the then elected popular leader BP. There was a wave of happiness everywhere. The then government brought the Five-Year Plan and other big plans and programs to the people. Under this, land reform, abolition of royal regalia, issues of farmers' rights, etc. were being worked on, when on 1 Poush 2017, King Mahendra deposed the elected popular government. Multi-party democracy and parliamentary system ended. Parties were banned. The banned parties were nationalized. Protest activities were being carried out by activists even in underground situations. Resistance was also seen in some schools of the time. The Panchayat government started interfering in the entire education sector in a well-thought-out manner.

A new education plan was implemented during the reign of King Mahendra. Although the new education system was said to be a plan brought for development and modernization that reflected the reality of the country, many said that this education system was brought to maintain the Panchayat system. However, no matter how much education system we have embraced after 2007, it has become apparent that it has not blended with the soil of the country. Thus, instead of supporting national development, the purpose of education has been to become a national burden. And, even now in the country, the practice of sending the human resources produced by our universities abroad, unable to be sold in the country, is increasing. What is the purpose of education that does not produce human resources who can create self-employment and love the country at home?

After the revolution of 2007, a different era began in the country. Politics could not take the expected direction, and the great leap in mutual coordination between parties remained unchanged. Even with a wise and visionary leadership like BP, the country could not make good use of it. This was unfortunate.

No matter how much we criticize the educational intervention during the Panchayat period, its far-reaching impact should not have been there till today. How far is it right to continue to be dependent on the same path even after 35 years of the restoration of the multi-party system? Even in the era of knowledge, technology and innovation of the 21st century, our education has not been able to rise above the status quo. In this rapidly changing era, there is a need for a corresponding change in the thinking, behavior and skills of every person. Education is needed to enhance creative thinking, problem-solving ability, and innovative spirit. Education is supposed to teach students skills that can be used in life, entrepreneurship, research and project-based practice, and national/international knowledge and skills.

We still consider education to be a method of transferring knowledge. In this way, the purpose of education is not fulfilled. Today's education is to make students capable, aware and responsible citizens for the future. For this, it is necessary to teach children practical education along with theoretical knowledge.

Education opens up the horizon of immense possibilities of knowledge, skills and creativity. Education produces human resources to build the future of individuals, families, communities, society and the nation. Students study in depth the knowledge, skills, technology, behavior and policies that are useful for society and the nation. Therefore, the development of the country is not possible without multidimensional, multilateral and practical education.

रमेशप्रसाद गौतम

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