Education in Election Manifestos

Nepal is approaching towards a federal parliamentary election, with just about three weeks to go. The political atmosphere is highly charged, yet political parties have not yet released their election manifestos to the public.

An election manifesto is a cornerstone of democracy, setting out a party’s priorities, policies, and commitments. In Nepal, many past manifestos have fallen short—long on promises but short on realism, evidence, and implementation plans. A credible manifesto must go beyond rhetoric: it should be truthful, accountable, and backed by clear goals and practical pathways. Only such a manifesto can rebuild public trust and strengthen democratic governance.

Manifestos often highlight development, jobs, health, and infrastructure—but what about education? As the foundation of progress, schools shape human resources, and higher education fuels skilled manpower for national growth.

In this election, education must be at the heart of party manifestos, driving social change and reform from schools to universities. Prioritizing education ensures youth become productive contributors to national development, making it a central agenda, not just a policy point.

Without concrete actions—such as reforming education from school to university level, improving teacher professionalism, updating curricula, expanding technical and skill-based education, ensuring digital access, and investing in quality learning—manifestos cannot bring real change.

Early childhood education remains largely ignored in political debate. Despite policy commitments, actual state investment is weak. Neglecting brain development in the first five years of life is a long-term mistake. A prosperous Nepal is impossible without strong investment in early education.

Nepal’s education system has expanded over the years. Schools and universities have increased, literacy has improved, and access has widened. However, qualitative improvement remains limited.

Education is still overly focused on exams and certificates. Its link with real life, work, and society is weak. As a result, educated unemployment is rising, and the gap between public and private education continues to grow.

The upcoming election offers a real chance for education reform. Voters must look beyond slogans and choose leaders with clear vision, practical plans, and genuine accountability.

Education must become a national priority. Manifestos should clearly state goals, quality reforms, equity measures, and long-term strategies. Only then can Nepal build a capable, prosperous, and self-reliant nation for the 21st century.

Education in the 21st century cannot be limited to textbooks and examinations. It must encourage students to think, question, and solve problems. Learning should move beyond rote memorization and focus on critical thinking and practical skills.

The world is changing rapidly. Technology, jobs, and social systems are constantly evolving. Education must promote creativity, innovation, and the ability to generate new ideas. Schools and universities should provide environments where students can identify problems and find solutions independently.

Digital literacy is now a basic requirement. Education without computers, the internet, and artificial intelligence is incomplete. Along with technical skills, students must also learn the responsible, safe, and meaningful use of technology.

Education is not only about knowledge; it also shapes values and citizenship. Tolerance, integrity, responsibility, and democratic values are essential for a healthy society. Modern education must produce responsible citizens as well as skilled professionals.

Skill development, entrepreneurship, and life skills are equally important. Education should prepare students not only to seek jobs but also to create them. Students should gain confidence, practical skills, and the courage to take risks while still in school or university.

Education must balance local relevance with global competitiveness. It should respond to local social, economic, and cultural needs while also equipping students with skills to compete internationally.

Education in the 21st century should empower individuals to think creatively, innovate, and contribute to social change. Such an education system can lay the foundation for a prosperous, self-reliant, and responsible Nepal.

Politics should look beyond elections to nurturing a capable and responsible generation. Placing education at the top of national priorities—with a clear commitment of at least 20% of the national budget, spent transparently and effectively—is essential for long-term development, equity, and economic growth.

Basic and secondary education should be completely free. Improving public schools requires better teacher management, adequate infrastructure, quality learning materials, and strong monitoring systems. Quality investment in early childhood development is critical; without it, the goal of a prosperous Nepal cannot be achieved.

School and higher education must be aligned with technical, vocational, and skill-based learning linked to local needs and employment opportunities. Education should prepare young people not only to seek jobs but also to create them. Entrepreneurship must become an integral part of the education system.

Teachers’ salaries, benefits, and promotion systems need timely reform. Continuous, practical, and technology-friendly training should be ensured. A clear career development pathway can make teaching a respected, attractive, and competitive profession.

To reduce the widening gap between public and private education, strong government regulation is necessary. Clear standards on quality, fees, access, and teacher-student ratios must be enforced to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.

Technology-friendly education should be expanded from schools to universities. Investment in digital infrastructure, safe internet access, and modern learning tools is vital. Both teachers and students must develop digital skills, so technology becomes a key driver of quality education.

Universities should be strengthened as centres of research, innovation, and knowledge creation. Academic freedom, accountability, and good governance must be ensured, and research should be closely linked with national development, industry, and societal needs.

Education reform must begin with a strong foundation. Curricula should foster critical thinking, life skills, and ethics, while teacher training remains continuous, practical, and tech friendly. Schools need modern classrooms, labs, libraries, safe internet, and quality digital resources, backed by effective monitoring systems.

Linking education to skills, employment, and entrepreneurship is key. Secondary and higher education must align with local labour market needs. Technical and vocational programs should expand, with industry and university partnerships offering practical learning. Universities should drive research, innovation, and startups, equipping students with skills, experience, and self-reliance.

Nepal’s education should meet international standards through global collaboration, updated curricula, and a focus on innovation and a knowledge-based economy. With political commitment and effective implementation, education can become the foundation for a capable, self-reliant, and globally competitive Nepal.

The upcoming election is both a challenge and a historic opportunity for Nepal. Education has become the most important issue shaping the nation’s future. Voters must make informed choices, selecting parties and candidates with a clear vision, long-term plans, and genuine commitment to education.

Manifestos filled with empty promises, hollow assurances, or mere slogans should be rejected at the ballot box. This will push political parties to become more transparent and accountable.

When education is placed at the centre of policy, budgeting, and implementation—not just as an attractive promise—quality human resources will be developed, inequality will be reduced, and the foundation for inclusive development will be strengthened.

Only by choosing leaders who make education the cornerstone of national development can Nepal build a capable, prosperous, and self-reliant society for the 21st century.

Baral is a former Principal of Gandaki Boarding School and Gandaki College of Engineering and Science, Pokhara.