Teachers’ protest intensifies as education bill remains unaddressed (video)
The decision follows the government's perceived lack of seriousness towards the movement.
KATHMANDU: The ongoing protest by teachers demanding the swift passage of the School Education Bill 2081 is showing signs of escalation, with the Nepal Teachers’ Federation calling more educators to Kathmandu from all 77 districts.
The decision follows the government’s perceived lack of seriousness towards the movement.
After Friday night’s meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Speaker Devraj Ghimire failed to yield results, the Federation has planned to take the protest to a new phase.
According to Federation Vice-Chairperson and Movement Mobilization Committee Coordinator Nanumaya Parajuli, the protest will now take a national form with no teachers remaining in schools. “More teachers will now be arriving in Kathmandu in greater numbers,” she said.
Teacher Rabin Rai, who arrived in the capital from Salpasilichho, Bhojpur, on Saturday evening, informed that teachers from across the country are reserving vehicles and heading to Kathmandu to join the protest. “Many vehicles are currently entering Kathmandu,” he reported.
The teachers’ core demand—the tabling of the School Education Bill—has yet to be fulfilled. Despite Prime Minister Oli’s commitment to present the bill on 12th Baisakh and have it passed on 13th Baisakh, teachers remain skeptical due to repeated failures in implementing past agreements.
In 2075, a 30-point agreement was made during Oli’s previous tenure with Education Minister Girirajmani Pokharel. In 2078, the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government signed a 51-point agreement, and a 6-point deal was made in 2080 under Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s leadership.
None of these agreements have been fully implemented, leading teachers to now firmly state they “will return only after their demands are met.”
While the government has shown interest in the legitimacy of the demands, the expected level of dialogue and coordination has not materialized.
On 25th Chaitra, PM Oli assigned senior cabinet members to lead the talks, but they have reportedly failed to establish credible communication with the teachers.
Adding fuel to the fire, a government spokesperson’s allegation that the protest is a “plot to restore monarchy” has further angered the movement. The Speaker’s comment that the education bill is not a priority has also weakened teachers’ trust.
Now in its 18th day, the protest is significantly affecting the education sector.
The Grade 12 exams face uncertainty, the publication of Grade 8 results has been halted, and processes like SEE paper checking, student admissions, and textbook distribution have come to a standstill. The teachers’ movement appears to be reaching a decisive phase.
