Nepal Education Minister Holds Talks with Dr KC

Nepal’s Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel has initiated talks with Dr Govinda KC, who has been on a hunger strike.

Minister Pokharel said that informal discussions with Dr KC have begun and his demands are being considered. ‘I have been involved in Dr KC’s campaign in the past and I appreciate his efforts to improve medical education,’ he said.

Background

Eight years ago, a social media post by Minister Pokharel went viral, in which he expressed his support for Dr KC, saying ‘I will always stand by Dr KC, no matter who he fights against.’ Today, Minister Pokharel is in a position to address some of Dr KC’s demands, which are directly related to the Education Ministry.

Dr KC’s demands include making the Medical Education Commission independent and effective, implementing the Medical Education Act, and regulating private medical colleges. The responsibility of making a final decision on these demands now rests with Minister Pokharel’s ministry.

Questions are being raised on social media about whether Minister Pokharel will stand by Dr KC’s demands or the ministry’s decision.