KATHMANDU: National Education Day is being celebrated across Nepal with various programs and activities. The slogan for this year's celebration is, "Knowledge, Science, Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Originality: Partnership and Systemic Competence."

The government started observing National Education Day on Ashoj 2 (September 18 this year) to mark the certification of the "Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075," which was enacted to implement the fundamental rights related to education outlined in Nepal's constitution.

Education, Science, and Technology Minister Bidya Bhattarai chaired a special committee to organize events for the celebration of National Education Day. The National Education Day main ceremony committee was responsible for planning various activities.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Education is set to announce the Nepal Bidya Bhushan Honours in 'a', 'b', and 'c' categories. Additionally, the Nepal Prabidhi Bidya Bhushan and Nepal Chatra Bidya Padak awards in 'a' and 'b' categories, as well as other student awards, will be distributed.

The Education Ministry had previously invited applications for these awards, and the names of the recipients were already selected from the pool of applicants ahead of the celebration.

With an emphasis on accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pertaining to education, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli sent his best wishes on National Education Day and said that the government is still dedicated to raising the budgetary allotment for education.

PM Oli emphasized the need for integrating marginalized groups, regions, genders, and castes into mainstream education, stating, "It is essential to eliminate inequalities at all levels and ensure equal access to quality education."

In his message, Prime Minister Oli stressed the importance of eliminating disparities in education opportunities at the provincial and local levels, so that everyone can benefit equally from the education system.

Referring to the government's future plans, Oli mentioned that the government would prioritize passing the School Education Bill 2081 BS through further discussions. This bill aims to strengthen Nepal's educational framework.

PM Oli also highlighted the importance of increasing investment in education through mutual coordination and cooperation among all levels of government, saying, "Achieving compulsory and free basic education and free secondary education requires increased investment."

PM Oli also mentioned the need to improve the quality of education by effectively utilizing existing resources. He stressed the government's goal to "build a society based on quality education, employment, and ethical conduct."

In line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, Oli emphasized the importance of making education inclusive and high-quality, from basic education to higher and technical education. He also stated that the government is focused on ensuring at least 70 percent of students pass the upcoming Grade 10 Secondary Education Examination (SEE) by conducting additional classes with talented subject teachers.