Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reassured private school operators that the government will not compel them to convert their institutions into trusts, despite ongoing discussions in Parliament about the proposed law.

In his remarks at a function organised by the Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal (PABSON) in Kathmandu on Monday, the prime minister said that private schools should not be forced into such a transition but instead focus on providing quality education as a social service.

He emphasised that while private schools play a crucial role in the country’s education system, their primary goal should not be profit generation. “Education is something more than a business. This is not like an IT company where a small investment brings large profits. Education should be viewed as a social service, not a commercial venture,” he said.

The prime minister’s comments come amidst the ongoing tussle between the private school operators and the government surrounding the School Education Bill, which includes provisions to mandate the conversion of private schools into non-profit trusts. The bill is under consideration in a parliamentary committee.

While some lawmakers have pushed for a deadline of 10-12 years for converting private schools into non-profit trusts, the prime minister assured private school operators that there would be no forced transition to trusts.

“We are not saying that you must turn your schools into trusts,” Prime Minister Oli stated. “You have invested your resources in these schools, and you should be allowed to protect your investments. However, the purpose of these investments must be in the service of education, not in making excessive profits.”

The debate on whether private schools should operate as profit-making businesses or as non-profit entities has been ongoing for years.

A report from a High-Level Education Commission in 2018 recommended converting private schools into trusts within 10 years, arguing that this would curb the commercialisation of education. However, the proposal has faced fierce resistance from private school operators.

Oli further emphasised that private schools should not be driven by a desire for big profits. “If you are investing in schools, it’s not to make excessive profits. The focus should be on providing quality education, not on profit-making,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining an environment where private schools can thrive while prioritising education over commercial interests.

“We understand the importance of private sector investment in education,” Oli added. “The government alone may not be able to do everything, and private schools are essential for providing quality education to our children. We welcome private investments in the sector, but they must be aligned with the national goal of quality and accessible education.”

While the prime minister’s assurances may provide some relief to private institutions, the issue remains a key point of contention as the School Education Bill continues to be debated in Parliament.