One of the hindrances to development in many countries is the low rate of
literacy. Nepal, like most other developing nations, has a low literacy
rate among its populace. In fact, until 1961, only the children of the
aristocracy were allowed to attend school. Thus Nepal does not have the
long tradition of education and literacy that India boasts. This is a
sad fact, considering that the country needs educated and trained manpower
in its effort to develop itself.
Despite many new policy announcements
and initiatives, the education system has been unable to enhance access
to women, disadvantaged indigenous communities and dalits in education.
Although the government has adopted a policy of encouraging girls to enroll
in school through several incentives, girl children, especially in backward
communities and remote mountain and hill regions, do not have access to
education.
