Hundreds of Illegal Educational Consultancy Centers in Rupandehi; Concerns Raised Over Lack of Government Monitoring

14 Jestha, Butwal – Despite directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs to take necessary action against illegally operating educational consultancy centers, Rupandehi district has yet to implement these measures.

Following a petition from the Nepal Educational Consultancy Business Federation, on Jestha 6, the Home Ministry’s Peace, Security and Crime Control Division issued instructions to District Administration Offices nationwide to act against such unauthorized centers.

While administrations in several districts have started monitoring and penalizing consultancy operators found to be functioning illegally, Rupandehi shows no sign of such enforcement.

Rupandehi is the district with the second highest number of consultancies after the Kathmandu Valley. According to Dev Kunwar, the founding president of the Rupandehi branch of the Nepal Educational Consultancy Association (ECAN), approximately 500 consultancy businesses, including language training centers, operate in the district.

However, data from the Federal Ministry of Education reveals that in the fiscal year 2078/79, only about a dozen of these consultancies in Rupandehi renewed their licenses, indicating a large number are operating in violation of government standards and regulations.

Loknath Gyawali, president of the Parents’ Association in Rupandehi, expressed concern that without regular and effective monitoring and enforcement by the administration, the risk of students being defrauded by illegal consultancies is increasing.

“Various agents and companies are deceiving students, providing misleading advice, and engaging in financial irregularities under the guise of foreign education without government approval,” Gyawali said. “Despite the Home Ministry issuing circulars, no monitoring or action has been observed, which is regrettable.”

Complaints within the district indicate a rise in illegal activities by consultancies sending students abroad to countries like Japan, Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

“Some consultancies exploit students and parents through deception and financial abuse. Those operating without ministry approval and failing to regularly renew their licenses are jeopardizing students’ futures. Strict control is essential,” he emphasized.

Former Chief District Officer Dr. Topraj Pandey had previously given a one-week ultimatum for consultancy operators to update and submit details of compliance with a ten-point standard set by the government.

A study conducted in Shrawan last fiscal year found only 16 consultancies in the district fully complied with registration and operational standards.

There have also been complaints against consultancies engaging beyond their legal scope by assisting in visa processing, job guarantees, collaborating with travel agencies and cooperatives to produce fraudulent documents, and undertaking manpower-related activities both individually and institutionally.

Illegal consultancies continue deceptive advertising, false promises, promotional activities at schools and colleges, and distribution of commissions to teachers in exchange for student referrals.

Chief District Officer Vishwaprakash Aryal, newly appointed to the district, stated that he is yet to fully assess the consultancy situation but assured his commitment to enforcing directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.