KATHMANDU: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has stated that the government will not back down from the mandatory deposit requirement of Rs 2.5 million set for educational consultancy entrepreneurs.

Speaking during an interaction with education journalists at the Ministry in Singha Durbar today, Minister Pokharel clarified that the provision introduced under the “Educational Consultancy, Language Teaching, and Preparation Class Operation and Management Regulation 2026” was formulated based on recommendations from several entrepreneurs themselves and will not be withdrawn.

In response to a journalist’s query on whether the government might backtrack on this decision as it previously did with the three percent equity education fee, the Minister dismissed any such intention.

Minister Pokharel further mentioned that stakeholders would be consulted prior to drafting key legal frameworks, such as the School Education Act.

Additionally, Pokharel—who also serves as the spokesperson for the Government of Nepal—urged full utilization of the two-day weekly weekend off provision introduced for educational institutions and government offices, confirming that this decision will not be reconsidered.

He also noted his long-standing support for the campaigns led by Dr. Govinda KC, adding that informal discussions are currently ongoing with him.