Presenting the interim review report for the country’s education-related legislation, the National Council’s Special Education Committee stressed on the need for an education policy or an act. According to the committee, the education system in the country continues to face redundancies. The committee said there is a need for clear direction and strong legal framework to ensure effective operation and identify the existing gaps.
According to the committee’s findings, the National Education Policy has remained in draft form since 2009.
Moreover, the committee said that the education and skills development ministry has been primarily using the Education Policy Guidelines and Instructions, EPGI, to govern education in the country.
However, the EPGI has been issuing circulars, notices, executive orders, and policy orders to plan guidelines.
According to the committee, the ministry has issued 37 editions of EPGI until last year.
Deputy chairperson of the Special Education Committee Tshering Tshomo said that despite several efforts in place to guide the education sector, inconsistencies and political interventions challenge the system.
“As the EPGI has published annually most of its policies and plans are made based on the circulars, notices, and executive orders coming from a few decision-makers. However, the ones using it are the teachers and the students in the country. The implementation was challenged too.”
She also added that without a proper policy, the EPGI has been inconsistent as it operates based on the schools’ principal’s convenience.
In addition, the MP said, it has also resulted in more problems due to a lack of trained teachers for the new curriculum.
The schools integrate new curriculum based on executive and policy orders the EPGI issues.
The committee’s deputy chairperson added that the Bhutan Education Blueprint 2014 to 2024 has also failed due to the lack of a strong education policy in place.
“The 2014 to 2024 Bhutan Education Blueprint will conclude this year. However, many important aspects of it have been neglected such as the need for an Education Act. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of a National Teacher Council to handle teacher registration, licensing, and maintain uniform professional conduct. Finally, it emphasises the need for an education ministry secretariat office complex.”
During the deliberations, the majority of the members shared their concerns on disparity in education quality in rural and urban areas, infrastructure shortage, and lack of proper facilities in schools.
The members suggested preparing an education policy that will not only ensure employability but also to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Today the country has close to 1896 schools, institutes, and centres including private institutes.
The House will deliberate the final review report on education-related legislation during the winter session, later this year.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Phub Gyem
