The National Assembly (NA) yesterday deferred the discussion on the Education Bill following varying opinions from the MPs.

The motion was moved by South Thimphu MP Tshewang Rinzin, highlighting the necessity of the Bill to prevent the politicisation of education.

He argued that education reforms are crucial, especially with the ongoing reform in the sector and criticised previous governments for using education as a political tool without achieving substantial progress.

He highlighted the varying focus of past governments such as the first government’s focus on accessibility through extended classrooms (ECRs) and community primary schools, the second government’s consolidation of schools into central schools, and the third government’s rationalisation efforts leading to school closures and resource wastage.

These changes, Tshewang Rinzin said, led to politicisation, inconsistency, improper resource allocation, and equity issues and impacted the quality of education.

He also mentioned the fourth government’s pledge to open chiwog schools and central schools, and urged the members that education should not be used for political gains.

In response, Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa highlighted the ongoing reforms and the education policy 2024 “aimed at comprehensive changes.”

Lyonpo argued that based on the ministry’s evaluation, the Bill is unnecessary and assured that the member’s concerns would be addressed by the current policy.

Nisho-Sephu MP Kuenga supported the Bill stating the importance of maintaining education quality and expressing concern over political parties using education to attract voters, which could jeopardise education quality.

He pushed for a solid education policy to preserve quality.

Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay defended enacting the Bill, stating that no major issues have surfaced so far, but he expressed concern about future risks.

He added that after the royal decree, the former government worked on the education policy with various stakeholders and the current government plans to consult teachers and experts.

He suggested implementing the policy first, making necessary changes, and then considering the Bill.

While some members supported the enactment of the Bill, others questioned the timing, stating that more time is needed to fully understand and assess the national education policy that has already been worked on.

Speaker Lungten Dorji proposed sharing the recently drafted education policy with the members of the House.

This, he said, would lead to a more informed discussion on the necessity of a separate Education Bill during the current session.