Kathmandu- Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sashmit Pokharel has said that the literacy campaign in Madhesh Province is not merely a formality but a broader initiative linked to social transformation and human development.

Receiving the report prepared by the “High-Level Expert Task Force on Preparations for a Literate Madhesh Province” in Janakpur, Minister Pokharel thanked the task force for producing a comprehensive report within a short period, based on in-depth study, factual analysis, and practical recommendations. He said the government will further study the suggestions, strategies, and action plans included in the report before making necessary decisions.

The task force was formed under a ministerial decision of the Ministry of Education with former Chief Secretary Dr. Ram Swaroop Sinha as its coordinator, with the goal of declaring Madhesh Province literate within the current fiscal year.

Minister Pokharel emphasized that the federal government will provide full support and coordination in the literacy campaign and highlighted the need for effective cooperation among federal, provincial, and local governments, schools, teachers, students, and communities. He stressed the importance of rapidly educating illiterate citizens aged 15 to 60 through accelerated learning methods.

Madhesh Province Minister for Education and Culture Rani Kumari Tiwari said that the effectiveness of past investments in literacy programs needs to be reviewed and emphasized the need for result-oriented implementation. She expressed confidence that Madhesh Province could be declared literate within the remaining two months through coordination among all levels of government.

Chairperson of the House Committee on Women, Children and Social Justice, Rupa Yadav, said that the overall education system in Madhesh Province needs improvement. Similarly, Member of Parliament Manish Jha stressed that all stakeholders must work responsibly to ensure citizens’ fundamental right to literacy.

Task force coordinator Dr. Sinha said the report includes an analysis of the literacy situation in Madhesh Province, causes of illiteracy, challenges, and strategic as well as innovative recommendations. He also presented a roadmap suggesting that Madhesh Province could be declared literate by the third week of Asar.

Director General of the Education and Human Resource Development Centre, An Prasad Neupane, said the recommendations include mobilizing students from grades 10, 11, and 12, clearly defining the roles of different agencies, and conducting orientation programs for stakeholders involved in the literacy campaign.