KATHMANDU: Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol has called on private and institutional schools to provide free education with residential facilities to children currently staying in a holding center operated at the Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Ashram in Kirtipur.

Dangol held discussions with office bearers of Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal PABSON and National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal NPABSON at the National Assembly Hall. Representatives from central, district and metropolitan committees of both organizations were present at the meeting.

Addressing the participants, Dangol said the children currently residing at the holding center relocated during the clearance of informal settlements along riverbanks require immediate access to regular schooling. “We expect support from private and institutional schools that can provide residential facilities and ensure free education for these children,” she said.

She acknowledged that schools may have concerns and questions but stressed the urgency of action. “This is the time to rise above questions and act collectively. Let us work together to ensure these children get the opportunity to attend school regularly and serve their best interests,” Dangol added.

Dangol also emphasized the importance of collaboration from a corporate social responsibility and humanitarian perspective.

Responding to the proposal, PABSON Central President Krishna Prasad Adhikari, NPABSON President Subash Neupane, PABSON General Secretary A.B. Katuwal and NPABSON General Secretary Prakash Khadka expressed that the metropolitan city’s proactive approach has made them feel more responsible toward supporting children’s education.

Other participants included PABSON Kathmandu District President Navaraj Bhatt, Vice President Surya Bhandari, Kathmandu District NPABSON President Amrit Khadka, PABSON Kathmandu Metropolitan President Gagan Singh Air and NPABSON Metropolitan Committee President Navaraj Pandey.

Officials from both PABSON and NPABSON said they would hold internal meetings to decide on their responsibilities and inform the metropolitan city accordingly.