KATHMANDU: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has said that the government continues to prioritize the education and sports sectors, with over 10 percent of the national budget allocated to them for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27.

Responding to questions in the House of Representatives on the Appropriation Bill, the minister said Rs 218.30 billion has been allocated for education and sports out of the total Rs 2.124 trillion national budget, accounting for 10.28 percent.

He said the allocation is slightly lower in percentage terms compared to the current fiscal year but has increased by about Rs 7 billion in absolute terms.

According to the ministry, school education receives the largest share at 69.49 percent, followed by higher education (11.04 percent), management and administration (15.17 percent), technical and vocational education (2.56 percent), and sports (1.74 percent).

Key programs include skill training for 7,660 people, SEE examination decentralization, school infrastructure expansion, smartboard installation in community schools, and continuation of the mid-day meal program with per-student support of NPR 20–25 per day depending on region.

The government has also allocated funds for inclusive education, residential scholarships for children with disabilities, and market-oriented higher education programs, along with performance-based grants for universities.

Minister Pokharel said a task force is working on revising the national curriculum framework and that the government is considering restructuring low-enrollment schools through mapping and possible mergers, without affecting students’ right to education.

He added that universities are expected to move toward financial self-reliance over time.

The minister said the basic education net enrollment rate has reached 97.7 percent, while the completion rate stands at 74 percent. Efforts will be made next year to identify and bring out-of-school children into the education system.

He also informed that the government has introduced cash rewards for top performers in national sports events and medal winners in international competitions under existing sports regulations.