What Happened During the Teachers' Protest in Nepal?
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Synopsis
In Kathmandu, police clashed with protesting teachers demanding educational reforms. The Teachers' Federation Nepal has been rallying for immediate changes to the School Education Act to secure better salaries and job security. This ongoing struggle highlights the deep-rooted issues within Nepal's education system, drawing attention to the rights of both educators and students.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers have been protesting for 25 days.
- Major demands include salary parity with civil servants.
- Police used force to disperse the protesting crowd.
- The Supreme Court is involved in the situation.
- Negotiations between teachers and the government have been unsuccessful so far.
Kathmandu, April 27 (NationPress) In a recent incident, police clashed with teachers who were protesting at New Baneshwar in Nepal on Sunday, as reported by local media outlets.
The altercation arose when educators assembled on the Bijulibazar–New Baneshwar road and attempted to enter a restricted zone, leading to police intervention.
As tensions escalated, protesters began throwing stones at law enforcement. In retaliation, police employed batons and water cannons to disperse the crowd, according to The Kathmandu Post, a leading Nepali newspaper.
The Teachers' Federation Nepal, a coalition of school educators, has been engaged in demonstrations for 25 consecutive days, advocating for the prompt enactment of the School Education Act that addresses their various demands.
The protesting teachers have made it clear that they will continue their demonstrations until the Bill is passed and their issues are resolved.
A primary demand of the agitating teachers is to secure salaries and benefits that match those of civil servants.
Other requests include the payment of grades, allowances for relief quota teachers, and the establishment of a dedicated hospital or discounted health checkup services at the Civil Service Hospital.
Another significant demand is to grant permanent status to temporary teachers through internal competitions.
Additionally, teachers are seeking to be placed under federal government jurisdiction, although this request has been somewhat downplayed due to criticism that it contradicts constitutional principles.
Negotiations between the government and teachers, which took place nearly a month into the protests, concluded without any consensus on Saturday.
The demonstrators remain resolute in their call for the immediate enactment of the School Education Act as their non-negotiable bottom line.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order directing the government to address the legitimate demands of the protesting educators and ensure their return to the classroom.
The court stated that the ongoing teachers' protests are infringing upon students' right to education, and without intervention, the situation will persist, local media reported.
Point of View
We believe that the ongoing protests highlight crucial issues within Nepal's education sector. While the demands of the teachers are valid, the government's response must ensure that students' education is not compromised. A balanced approach is essential for resolving these longstanding concerns.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting teachers?
The key demands include better salaries, job security for temporary teachers, and the immediate enactment of the School Education Act.
Why did the clash with police occur?
The clash occurred when teachers attempted to breach a restricted area during their protest, leading to police intervention.
What has the Supreme Court of Nepal stated about the protests?
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to address the teachers' legitimate demands and ensure their return to classrooms.
