Education, essential need for people with disabilities: Minister Pant

Patan (Lalitpur), May 23:  Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant has said access to education is essential for empowering people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

Speaking at an interaction on “Policy Provision for Inclusive Education and Future Roadmap” organized by the Education and Human Resources Development Centre today, Minister Pant expressed his belief that persons with disabilities can excel beyond others if given equal opportunities.

He expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to education and healthcare services for persons with disabilities. The Minister also pledged to address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities by incorporating their requirements into government policies. He underscored the importance of effectively implementing policies related to disability.

Gita Adhikari, a member of the National Planning Commission, said that the 16th Periodic Plan aims for 100% education access for children. She stressed the importance of human capital development through education, urging a focus on gender-responsive and inclusive education while striving for quality education.

Mahashram Sharma, Chairperson of the National Examinations Board, called for a concrete roadmap for inclusive and special education as per the national context. He stressed the need to consider the voices, aspirations, and needs of children from disadvantaged communities.

Deputy Director General of the National Examinations Board, Mahendra Prasad Parajuli, reminded gathering of the constitutional guarantee of compulsory free education for all and urged coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to achieve these goals.

Devi Datta Acharya, President of the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal, called for activating the Inclusive Education Policy-2073 BS.

Meanwhile, Kaladhar Bhandari, President of the Nepal Association of the Blind, urged all stakeholders to prioritize academic achievements in community-based inclusive education.