(KPL)  The National Assembly is reviewing a new General Education Law that aims to improve the management and quality of education across Lao PDR. The draft law was presented on June 18, 2025, during the 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th National Assembly. The session was chaired by Mr. Khambay Damlat, Vice President of the National Assembly.

Mr. Samlan Phankhavong, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, introduced the new draft law. He explained that it consists of 14 parts, 15 chapters, and 102 articles, and it sets out principles, regulations, and measures to guide the management of general education. The law is designed to align with the Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, the National Human Resource Development Strategy, and the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.

The main objectives of the law are to: Reduce student dropout rates, strengthen the role and responsibility of parents, guardians, and communities in supporting school attendance.

Encourage investment from both the public and private sectors in the general education system.

Improve the management and administration of general education to make it more unified, efficient, and effective, ensure that the quality of education meets national and international standards.

If this law is approved and enacted, it will serve as a foundation for the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop policies, strategies, plans, and legal instruments to manage general education more effectively. It will also help ensure that all Lao citizens have access to high-quality education.

The law is expected to increase public confidence in the education system and attract greater support from development partners and investors. It also aims to promote a stronger sense of duty among citizens, encouraging them to contribute to education through financial, labor, and material support.

Members of the National Assembly provided constructive feedback on the draft law. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the law is complete, concise, and practical so it can be effectively implemented in real-life conditions.

KPL