The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has announced the start of a nationwide protest from today (Bhadra 9), accusing the School Education Bill 2080 of undermining teachers’ services, facilities, job security, and rights.
Federation Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi said the bill failed to address teachers’ demands. He noted that although a month-long protest in Baisakh was suspended after a nine-point agreement, the bill tabled in the House of Representatives on Bhadra 6 did not incorporate those agreements, forcing teachers to resume agitation.
The federation has demanded the implementation of past agreements reached in 2075, 2078, 2080, and 2081/82 with the government. Its key demands include:
- 75% internal and 25% open competition for permanent appointment of temporary teachers (instead of the current 60%-40%),
- Regular promotions,
- Renewal of expired teaching licenses,
- Fair salaries and posts for school staff,
- Job security for early childhood teachers,
- Protection of teachers in institutional schools,
- Allowances for conflict-affected teachers, and
- Opposition to transferring teacher quotas to local governments.
In an interview with News Agency Nepal in Kathmandu, Chair Subedi said the first phase of the protest includes submitting memorandums to the Prime Minister, Education Minister, and chief whips of major political parties on Bhadra 9. From Bhadra 11 to 20, teachers will stage two-hour sit-ins at central party offices, municipalities, and district headquarters.
The second phase, beginning Bhadra 21, will involve stronger protests including sit-ins, obstructions, and demonstrations.
Chair Subedi stressed that the movement is about ensuring quality education for students and dignity for teachers, warning that teachers will not retreat from the streets until their demands are fulfilled.
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