Kathmandu. Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has pledged not to let the education of children affected by the removal of squatters’ settlements in the Kathmandu Valley.

Responding to the queries raised by lawmakers in the National Assembly on Friday, Minister Pokharel said arrangements have been made to transfer students to different schools and provide them regular learning so that there is no disruption in the teaching and learning activities of the students of the settlements.

According to him, 116 students of Shree Buddhajyoti Bal Udyan Basic School in Balaju were transferred to Tarun Secondary School and 154 students of Shree Balkalyan Secondary School were transferred to Nepal Yuvak Secondary School, Paknazol.

Similarly, arrangements have been made for providing full scholarship to 10 children staying at the Radha Soami Satsang Centre in Kirtipur, with the support of PABSON Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Minister Pokharel, who is also the Spokesperson of the government, said that 59 children from Kharipati, Bode and Ichangu holding centres have been admitted to schools of their choice.

They have been provided with transportation, snacks, tiffin boxes, school uniforms, bags, stationery, water bottles and hygiene materials.

He further informed that they had inspected Kharipati and Bode Holding Centre on July 29 and directed to make additional arrangements for the affected children.

Responding to another query, Minister Pokharel clarified that the nominations from universities and educational institutions were scrapped for the sake of strengthening good governance and qualifications system. According to him, vice-chancellors have been appointed in nine universities and other high officials including the chairman of Tribhuvan University Service Commission. He said that the process of filling the remaining vacant posts has already started.

Minister Pokharel said that all universities have been directed to prepare and implement the annual academic calendar to improve the educational environment of higher education.