Mayor Shah announces scholarships to grade 11 students

Kathmandu Metropolis Mayor Balendra Shah on Monday, announced that KMC will select students who will get class 11 scholarships in private schools, starting from the current academic session. Shah’s Facebook post regarding the announcement has received overwhelming response.

Mayor Shah also said that KMC will conduct a scholarship examination to select students who demonstrate exceptional academic aptitude but come from a weak financial background.

The Nepal Guardian Federation welcomed the mayor’s announcement but expressed doubts over its implementation.

“The KMC may conduct exams and provide scholarships to the needy students based on existing rules as it has the jurisdiction over schools up to the plus-two level,” remarked Suprabhat Bhandari, chair of the federation. “But how can it ensure that only deserving students will get the scholarships?” He questioned. “Hopefully this is more than a social media stunt.”

According to KMC report, there are 504 private schools and 89 community schools in the metropolis. The Higher Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN), has however expressed reservation on Mayor Shah’s proposal saying it was unacceptable to them. “Before making such a decision, shouldn’t the KMC have consulted to the stakeholders?” said Yuvraj Sharma, senior vice president of HISSAN.