HISSAN Urges Political Parties to Prioritize Education in Manifestos

EDUCAST, The Higher Education and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) has urged major political parties to prioritize education issues in the manifesto to be prepared for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026 [2082-11-21 (BS)].

HISSAN made the request through a press conference. Stating that the country’s entire education sector needs to be advanced in a new way, HISSAN also said that the security of private sector investment must be ensured. HISSAN added that political parties must act responsibly and with maturity to achieve this.

Speaking at the press conference, HISSAN President Yuvraj Sharma said, “Since the country’s development and prosperity depend on the political leadership’s thinking, plans, and programs, it is necessary for all political parties to place the nation’s education at the center of their election manifesto and commitment document.”

He also stated that quality, employment-oriented, and life-relevant education is possible within the country. “For that, the leadership must move forward not only by including it in the manifesto, but also by implementing it with the support and cooperation of stakeholders,” Sharma said.

HISSAN said political parties should prioritize increasing investment in education, and introducing a School Education Act, a Higher Education Act, and an Act related to technical education.

At the press conference, HISSAN General Secretary Ramhari Silwal said the private sector accounts for one-third of the country’s education, but concerns have grown because investment and other protections for private educational institutions have still not been ensured.

HISSAN also demanded that the government, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, universities, and campuses become more responsible in further systematizing higher education and retaining students in Nepal for higher studies, given the presence of large investments, extensive infrastructure, and skilled academic human resources.

HISSAN also informed that during the protests held on 2082-05-23 and 2082-05-24 (BS), private educational institutions suffered damages worth nearly NPR 1.5 billion.