The Chinese government had expressed its willingness to cover the salaries of teachers who teach Mandarin in Nepal. Reportedly after this proposal, several schools there have taken the decision to make it mandatory for students to learn the language.
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This moves once again hints at China's growing influence and involvement in Nepal, largely due to Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
India had boycotted the BRI project as it comprises the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
According to the guidelines of the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), schools in Nepal are allowed to teach foreign languages, but they cannot make such subjects compulsory for students. The CDC is a government body that formulates the academic curriculum for schools.
Even though the schools are aware of this restriction, they have overlooked the rule as they are getting Mandarin teachers for free.
Another restriction being ignored is that according to the CDC. foreign languages cannot be taught within school hours. A separate time has to be allotted for them. But here as well, schools are not following this provision.
(With agency inputs)
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