Kathmandu Metropolitan city revives Mahendra Bhawan school with new identity

Kathmandu-Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has signed an agreement with the Mahendra Bhawan Educational Trust to revive the long-standing social reputation of Mahendra Bhawan Secondary School and transform it into a modern, high-quality educational institution.

Under the agreement, the school will now operate under the new name Mahendra Bhawan Metropolitan School.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday by KMC Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain and Mahendra Bhawan Educational Trust Chairperson Prof. Dr. Pramila Rai, in the presence of Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Ward No. 5 Chair Birendra Prajapati.

The partnership aims to jointly manage and develop the school into a model public educational institution. Around 45 days ago, former students met Acting Mayor Dangol and urged the metropolitan city to help save the school. At the time, she assured them that an appropriate decision would be made.

Following the signing ceremony, Acting Mayor Dangol said KMC would study the school’s successful practices from its earlier years and combine them with modern technology to restore its reputation and develop it into a leading educational destination.

“Protecting a school is not only about preserving its buildings. We must restore its identity by preparing a comprehensive master plan and implementing it through joint efforts,” she said.

Ward Chair Prajapati said restoring the school’s image would also strengthen the identity of Ward No. 5.

“With excellent management and quality education, this school can once again become a source of pride for our community,” he said.

Trust Chair Prof. Dr. Rai described the agreement as a major milestone.

“After student enrollment declined, it became increasingly difficult to sustain both the school and its property. With the support of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, we now feel confident about the future,” she said.

Mahendra Bhawan Secondary Residential School was established in 1957 (2014 B.S.) as a private institution with support from the United Mission to Nepal. After the mission completed its responsibilities in 1997 (2054 B.S.), the Mahendra Bhawan Public Educational Trust took over the school’s management in 2004 (2061 B.S.).

In recent years, declining student enrollment led to financial difficulties, creating management challenges and affecting both infrastructure and educational quality.

Under the new agreement, ownership of the school’s land and physical assets will remain with the trust, while Kathmandu Metropolitan City will play a direct role in its operation and management through a joint management model.

The long-term goal is to upgrade the institution into a center for higher education and develop it into an internationally competitive academic institution.

KMC will provide funding for infrastructure repairs, new construction, and the installation of modern educational technologies. A School Steering Committee, led by the Deputy Mayor, will be formed to provide policy guidance, with the trust chair serving as co-coordinator.

The existing nine trust members will be joined by eight representatives nominated by KMC, forming a 17-member educational trust.

Beyond regular academic programs, the school will also introduce a special education school, a sports academy, and early childhood development programs.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City said it will implement the school’s master plan through its annual budget and programs, expressing confidence that the partnership will set a new benchmark for improving the quality of public education in Nepal.