Government directs immediate refunds for advance admissions and unauthorised charges as new academic session approaches, citing Supreme Court ruling and public complaints.
Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has launched a sweeping crackdown on private schools accused of collecting illegal fees, ordering them to immediately refund money taken from parents in violation of existing laws and a recent Supreme Court ruling.
In a strongly worded directive issued this month, the ministry instructed all “institutional” (private) schools to stop enrolling students before the new academic session begins on April 28 and to refrain from charging admission fees more than once for the same student or inventing unauthorised fee categories.
Schools found guilty of demanding advance fees, exceeding approved limits, or double-charging must return the money without delay, the ministry said, warning that local governments and district administrations will enforce compliance through legal action.
Parents’ Complaints Lead to Strong Government Action:
The move comes after persistent complaints from parents that many private schools were aggressively collecting fees ahead of the 2083 academic session (corresponding to 2026-27), often pressuring families to secure spots early with payments higher than officially approved structures.
Ministry spokesperson Shiva Kumar Sapkota stated that such practices violate the Education Act and regulations, which limit admission fees and prohibit repeated charges for continuing students. A help desk has reportedly been established to handle complaints and facilitate refunds.
First-time violators face fines of up to 25,000 Nepali rupees (approximately US$185), while repeat offenders risk losing their operating licences altogether. The ministry has asked all 753 local governments to monitor fee structures closely and take action where necessary.
Wider Discussion on Rising Education Costs in South Asia:
The crackdown has reignited long-standing debates across South Asia about the rapid growth of private education, rising costs, and the balance between quality schooling and affordability for ordinary families.
In Nepal, private schools-often referred to as boarding or institutional schools-have proliferated in recent decades, attracting middle-class and affluent families seeking better facilities and English-medium instruction compared with under-resourced public schools. Critics argue that some institutions exploit parents with hidden or inflated charges, while operators say they face increasing operational costs.
The latest directives cite both the Education Act 2028 (amended) and Supreme Court orders, underscoring that fee regulation is not new but enforcement has often been lax.
Nepal Cracks Down on School Fees Amid Calls for Greater Transparency:
Parents’ groups have welcomed the government’s crackdown, calling it a relief from rising education costs. Many hope it will improve transparency in school fee structures.
Private school associations have not yet responded, though tensions with regulators may increase due to stricter rules.
With the new academic year approaching, the move could set a precedent for greater accountability but also strain relations between schools and the government.
The Education Ministry has urged schools to comply with regulations and focus on transparency to protect students and parents.