The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) celebrated its 37th Annual Day with a special program in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur on February 24, 2025. The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister Devendra Dahal from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, who attended as the Chief Guest. It was chaired by the Member Secretary of CTEVT, Er. Mahesh Bhattarai.

Speaking at the event, Honorable Minister Devendra Dahal emphasized the vital role of skilled technicians in strengthening the economy. He highlighted the need for quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stating that it equips individuals with practical skills, knowledge, and the right attitude for self-employment. He said that TVET can help reduce youth migration by creating more opportunities within Nepal. Expressing concerns about the employability of CTEVT graduates, he urged the institution to ensure imparting market relevant and employability skills. He also stressed the need for a strong system to ensure transparency and efficiency in the institute affiliation process. He called for legal reforms of CTEVT to strengthen its capacity in the federal structure. He expressed his best wishes for CTEVT’s continued contribution to national development. During the program, he launched the 19th volume of the Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The Special Guest at the event, Dr. Deepak Kafle, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), emphasized that technical education has been formally recognized as a distinct stream in Nepal, as clearly outlined in existing legal documents. Citing the Constitution of Nepal, he underscored the significance of technical and vocational education in national development. He stated that he has facilitated the recruitment of CTEVT employees. Addressing concerns raised by some speakers, he reaffirmed that Nepal operates under the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, with the executive, legislative, and judicial bodies fulfilling their respective roles. Additionally, he mentioned that the TVET Act is currently in the pipeline.

Three students who were registered in the Academic Year 2077-78 and completed the program with the highest scores in their respective disciplines were honored during the program. From the health sector, Ms. Akriti Kunwar from Farwest Technical College, Dhangadhi, Kailali, completed the PCL in Nursing program with an outstanding score of 93.97%. In the field of engineering, Mr. Ujain Udas completed the Diploma in Automobile Engineering program from Gandaki Polytechnic Institute, Pokhara, Kaski, achieving 89.92%. Representing the agriculture and other sectors, Ms. Bhumika Khatiwada completed the Diploma in Agriculture (Plant Science) program with a score of 88.59% from Madan Bhandari Memorial Academy Nepal, Urlabari, Morang. Additionally, twenty-four CTEVT employees who retired last year were felicitated by the program’s chief guest for their contributions to CTEVT.

Other speakers at the program included Mr. Bishwa Nath Ojha, Council Member of CTEVT, and Mr. Sunil Chalise, Chairperson of the Forum for Health and Technical Sciences. Both emphasized the importance of improving the quality of TVET programs through skill mapping and technical human resource projection. Additionally, trade union representatives - Mr. Krishna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary of CTEVT Karmachari Sangh; Mr. Kishor Chandra Sharma, Chairperson of CTEVT Karmachari Sangathan; Mr. Ram Krishna Parajuli, Chairperson of Nepal Rastriya Karmachari Sangathan; and Mr. Surya Adhikari, Chairperson of CTEVT Ekikrit Karmachari Sangathan - conveyed their best wishes for the program. They emphasized the urgent need for a new TVET Act and the implementation of provisions to benefit both employees and the organization.

On the premises of the event, Training Institute for Technical Instruction (TITI), Pokhara Technical School, Shankharapur Polytechnic Institute, ENSSURE Project, Nepal Vocational Qualification System (NVQS) Project, and Quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (QualiTY) Project set up stalls to showcase their products and services. The Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur district, and joint secretaries from MoEST were present as the guests in the program. The event was attended by the CTEVT directors, employees, and students. Mr. Tek Bahadur Malla, Director of National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) delivered the welcome speech on behalf of the organization, and the event was facilitated by Mr. Damodar Devkota, Director of the Admin Division, CTEVT.