School enrollment drive begins as teachers protest for 12th day

KATHMANDU: With the beginning of the new academic year 2082 in Nepal, the nationwide School Enrollment Campaign has officially commenced today under the slogan: “Participation of All Children in School, Assurance of Quality Education.” The Government of Nepal has urged all parents, communities, and stakeholders to actively support the campaign.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, in his message of best wishes, appealed to all parents to enroll school-aged children in the nearest schools and ensure their regular attendance.

Emphasizing that the education sector is the foundation of a prosperous Nepal, he stressed the need for collective effort to produce skilled, quality-oriented, and employment-driven human resources.

The Prime Minister also affirmed the government’s commitment to increasing the education budget, advancing the School Education Bill 2081 through discussion, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

His statement comes at a time when teachers and school staff across the country are staging protests demanding the implementation of a new Education Act. PM Oli acknowledged that poverty alleviation is impossible without education, noting that around 20% of Nepal’s population still lives below the poverty line. He underlined the importance of not leaving any child out of the education system.

Although student enrollment at the basic level has improved in recent years, the Prime Minister noted that sustained efforts are still required to ensure student retention.

He emphasized the need to modernize education by linking it with local knowledge, skills, and technology.

He also highlighted the importance of investing in technical and vocational education to create employment and self-employment opportunities within the country.

Teachers and School Staff Continue Protests for Education Act

While the nation celebrates the New Year, teachers and school staff continue to demonstrate in the streets, demanding the immediate enactment of the School Education Act.

According to Laxmikishore Subedi, President of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation, this New Year is being dedicated not to celebration, but to securing the future of students, teachers, and school education.

Protests are ongoing in the Maitighar–Baneshwor area of Kathmandu. The demonstrators have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met, with a firm resolve not to give up or be distracted.

Subedi has called on all teachers and school staff across the country to unite in the struggle.

The protests began on Chaitra 20 (early April), and the primary demand is for the government to immediately issue the Education Act to bring clarity and effectiveness to the school education system.