Nepal: Educators Launch Nationwide Strike, Seek New Education Legislation
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Synopsis
On April 7, teachers across Nepal, organized by the Nepal Teachers' Federation, initiated a nationwide strike calling for a new School Education Act to address ongoing issues in the education system. This strike aims to amplify their demands and encourage government action.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide strike initiated by the Nepal Teachers' Federation.
- Demand for a new School Education Act to be enacted.
- Teachers instructed to cease their responsibilities during the strike.
- Protests are ongoing in Kathmandu with significant participation.
- Previous agreements with the government must be included in the new Act.
Kathmandu, April 7 (NationPress) Educators in Nepal, represented by the Nepal Teachers' Federation, initiated a general strike in the school sector on Monday, demanding the establishment of a new School Education Act.
The strike is designed to heighten the pressure on the government to meet their demands, according to reports from local media.
The federation, serving as the central body for school teachers in Nepal, has called upon educators across the nation to suspend classes and converge in Kathmandu for the protest.
They have instructed teachers to abstain from fulfilling their duties, including the preparation of student results.
"A general strike has been declared in all schools starting April 7 to bolster the ongoing movement. We urge all educators and staff to participate in this crucial educational movement in Kathmandu by closing schools throughout the country," states a message from the federation.
Additionally, the federation requested educators to "not fulfill" responsibilities such as grading answer sheets and publishing results, as well as abstaining from attending training sessions, seminars, or educational trips.
The strike was announced at a time when the evaluation of answer sheets for the Secondary Education Examination and preparations for the new academic session were underway, with the academic year commencing on April 15 in Nepal.
"The government has repeatedly invited them to discussions. I have personally reached out to the chairperson of the federation for talks. I even engaged with the protesters during their demonstration," stated Bidya Bhattarai, Nepal's Minister for Education, in an interview with the prominent Nepali publication, The Kathmandu Post.
"They have declined to engage in dialogue, claiming there’s nothing to discuss," the minister added.
Meanwhile, the protesting teachers have articulated their demand for a new School Education Act that reflects previously reached agreements.
"All we seek is a new law. We will not cease our protest until the Act is enacted," declared Laxmi Kishor Subedi, the federation's chair.
Teachers from various regions have convened in Kathmandu since April 2, advocating for the passage of the School Education Act, which has lingered in Parliament despite prior government commitments, as per local media.
Holding signs with messages such as "Respect the teaching profession" and "Enact the education act now", educators have commenced an indefinite street protest, deeming it a pivotal moment in their quest for educational reform.
This action follows Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel proroguing the federal parliament session on Tuesday, based on government advice, without approving the school education bill that has been stalled in a House committee for over a year and a half.
