The Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) today publicised a Code of Conduct meant to regulate higher secondary schools, its students, teachers, school management committee and guardians.

Speaking at an interaction organised by Education Journalists Network, Hem Kumar Mishra, vice chairperson, HSEB today said the code of conduct was a gentleman’s agreement between stakeholders, so it should be followed by all the actors.

“We hope that the Code of Conduct will bring positive result in the education sector, especially in higher secondary schools, in future,” he said.

The Code of Conduct was endorsed by the government on October 14, 2012 but it was publicised today after six months as its publication in a booklet form took much time.

The Code of Conduct has banned mobile phones, motorbikes and miniskirts inside higher secondary school premises. It has also mentioned the size, style and type of dress students should use. If students are found using mobile phones on the premises of schools, the school can seize the mobile set and send a letter drawing the attention of parents the first time and if the rule is violated again, the student can be fined up to Rs 3,000.

Likewise, students are not allowed to go to cinema halls, restaurants, parks, shopping malls and other places in school uniform. They are not allowed to drink alcohol during school hours and in school uniform. If found, they could be fined Rs 3,000 the first time; and Rs 5,000 with rustication from the school the second time.

The students cannot bunk classes. If they bunk classes, they will be warned the first time and be fined Rs 500, Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000 for the second, third and fourth time respectively. If they are again caught the fifth time they could be rusticated from school and be banned no entry to the board exam.

The students must have 90 per cent attendance in Grade XI and Grade XII. If attendance is less than 90 per cent, they will not be allowed to sit for the board exam.

To make guardians accountable, they must regularly update themselves about their children and their studies.

Schools must also closely monitor the sale of tobacco and alcohol on the premises of the school.

Teachers are not allowed to reveal secrets of one school if they also teach in another school.

Schools in Kathmandu valley are allowed to advertise up to a maximum of Rs 500,000 for one year, Rs 300,000 worth ads are allowed for schools in sub-metropolitan cities and Rs 150,000 worth ads are allowed in municipalities and Rs 50,000 worth ads are allowed in VDCs.

Umesh Shrestha, president, Higher Secondary Schools Association Nepal, welcomed the Code of Conduct and said it would help control unhealthy competition among higher secondary schools.

source: The Himalayan Times,3 April 2013