Key Meeting Between Education Minister Pokharel and British Minister Malhotra

May 21, Kathmandu – Education and Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel held a meeting with British Minister Seema Malhotra at the Ministry of Education in Singha Durbar on Friday during her visit to Nepal. The ministry stated that the discussion focused on strengthening the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nepal and the United Kingdom, expanding strategic collaboration in the education and sports sectors.

Discussions also covered ongoing partnership programs aimed at education development between the two countries as well as potential future cooperation. Both sides emphasized significant consultations on the concept and implementation of the ‘Autism School’ initiative, which the Nepal government plans to implement across all seven provinces.

Minister Pokharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, outlined the ministry’s priorities and action plans for education reforms. She requested technical assistance, resource management, and capacity development support from the UK government to ensure quality education and a supportive environment for children with autism. She highlighted the need for a ‘paradigm shift’ in education restructuring and affirmed the government’s commitment to expanding specialized teaching methods and support systems for children with disabilities, especially those with autism.

Pokharel further expressed expectations for enhanced cooperation from the UK government through budgetary aid, financial support, and the transfer of expertise and knowledge to facilitate capacity building. In response, British Minister Malhotra emphasized the historic ties, development partnership, and mutual interests shared by Nepal and the UK, underlining the importance of deepening bilateral relations.

She informed that the new UK government is advancing modern reform programs in the education sector and plans to increase investment and partnership efforts in countries like Nepal. Minister Malhotra also proposed collaboration with Nepalese universities to introduce British-standard quality higher education programs. Additionally, she stated the UK government’s readiness to amend necessary legal frameworks to promote inter-country education systems and expand cooperation.

Focusing on equality and the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Malhotra arrived in Nepal this morning for a three-day visit.