KATHMANDU, Jan 1: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has banned private schools and colleges across Nepal from appointing “Discipline In-Charges” (DIs).
The decision follows a surge in complaints that students were subjected to mental and physical abuse in the name of discipline. Minister Mahabir Pun scrapped the DI system through a ministerial decision.
Publicizing the decision taken on December 29, the ministry issued a 10-point directive to all private schools and colleges nationwide including those affiliated with foreign universities.
Minister Pun said the decision was triggered by a distressing phone call from a parent who tearfully described the torture their son had endured at the hands of a college DI.
“I received numerous calls from parents of students studying at colleges affiliated with foreign institutions,” Pun told Republica Daily. “They spoke of intimidation, fear, abuse by DIs and threats directed at parents. That painful call made me realize the extent of students’ suffering, prompting an immediate decision to end this oppressive practice.”
According to Minister Pun, some private college operators were found using DIs to threaten students and parents even over delayed fee payments, creating fear and psychological stress. “We received complaints that appointing DIs in the name of discipline was negatively affecting students’ learning,” he said.
The MoEST concluded that irregularities are particularly widespread in colleges affiliated with foreign universities. According to Shree Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary and head of the Higher Education Division, 57 colleges in Nepal currently operate bachelor’s and master’s programs under foreign affiliation.
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Minister Pun said many such colleges have ignored government regulations, citing a lack of transparency in scholarships, fees, examination charges, approved programs, subjects, and course duration.
To curb these irregularities and create a fear-free academic environment, the ministry issued the 10-point directive on Wednesday. The directive applies to all private schools and colleges nationwide.
DI system abolished, counseling units mandatory
The directive’s key provision abolishes the DI system with immediate effect. The ministry has made it clear that no individual may intimidate students in the name of discipline.
“If any private school or college still has a DI, they must remove the position immediately,” Minister Pun said.
Instead, institutions must establish mandatory counseling units. Any disciplinary or behavioral issues must now be addressed through counseling, guidance, and psychological support rather than punishment or intimidation.
The directive emphasizes academic governance, transparency, and accountability. Key provisions include:
Fee transparency: Institutions must publicly display detailed fee structures and submit verified copies to the ministry within 15 days.
Public disclosure: Class schedules, student numbers, and daily learning activities must be made public within 15 days.
Program and location compliance: Teaching must be conducted only in approved programs and designated locations.
Ban on misleading promotions: Institutions may not advertise programs of other colleges.
Scholarship enforcement: Foreign-affiliated colleges must provide the mandatory 20 percent scholarships and submit transparent records to the ministry.
Grievance mechanism: Complaint and suggestion boxes must be installed, and grievances addressed regularly.
Regulatory compliance: Full adherence to the Foreign-Affiliated Higher Education Directive, 2002, is mandatory.
Minister Pun warned that institutions failing to comply could face cancellation of their operating licenses.
“Any institution that violates ministry directives or continues to harass students and parents may have its license revoked at any time,” he said.
The MoEST has also received complaints that foreign-affiliated colleges—particularly those offering IT, science, and management programs—mislead students during admissions about scholarships and later charge full fees.
The MoEST believes the directive will help curb such malpractices and end the culture of intimidation in education, paving the way for a dignified and student-friendly academic environment.
