Like an annual customary event, public grievances against private educational institutions in Nepal are currently making headlines once again as the new academic session has begun. Private schools have been accused of charging exorbitant fees, selling stationery and uniforms within the school premises to make profit and not providing adequate infrastructure.

Having got an opportunity to accompany her husband to a tour of Thailand some 35 years ago, Mrs. Kamala Shrestha was quick to realize an opportunity to introduce a new professional sector back in the country, after a quick environmental scanning during her stay. Surmounting the ubiquitous family and societal restrains in a typical Nepali society, Kamala Shrestha pioneered the profession of a beautician, and through her continual perseverance, she has successfully established the profession as a main-stream stake in the national economy, thus proving herself as an exemplary self-made entrepreneur.

National planning has, for a long time, been among the government’s favourite agendas. This can be traced back to the Rana period (before World War II) when the first 20-year plan was announced but nothing significant was achieved. Following that a 15-year plan implemented by the then Rana Prime Minister, Mohan Shamsher in 1949 for which a national planning committee was also formed.