Unlike in the past, the 19th National Education Conference, which begins on December 24 at Phuentsholing Higher Secondary School would be open to the media, education minister Jai Bir Rai said.

The five-day conference is considered one of the most important annual events of the education ministry where the education fraternity comes together to discuss issues, plans, policies and challenges faced by the sector.

The media was barred from attending Sherig Conference last year, which took place from December 27 to 31 at Sonamthang Central School in Pangbang, Zhemgang.

Citing transparency as a reason, Lyonpo Jai Bir Rai said media would be allowed to attend the whole conference sessions this time.

Themed, “Redefining Education: Towards Quality and Inclusive Education,” the objective of the conference is to draw a common understanding of the implementation of 12th FYP of the education sectors and review and reform of central schools, among others.

About 173 dzongkhag education officers, thromde education officers, vice principals, principals, and officials from other education sectors across the country are expected to attend the conference.

The conference would discuss among others, issues like phasing out examination for primary classes, waiving out class X cut-off point, differentiated curriculum, a study on dropout, repetition and children who never attended school. A session is also allotted to review IWP findings and recommendations and the feedback.

The conference will end on December 28.

Yangchen C Rinzin