Teachers’ federation intensifies protest demanding new education act

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has escalated its protest movement demanding the prompt introduction of the long-awaited School Education Act.

As part of its intensified efforts, the federation organized a major street demonstration in Kathmandu and urged all local levels to refrain from obstructing their peaceful campaign.

In a press statement, Federation Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa condemned actions by some local authorities who have allegedly been threatening, transferring, and pressuring protesting principals and staff to resign.

The federation labeled such actions as violations of constitutionally guaranteed collective rights and called on all local bodies to immediately halt such intimidation.

The ongoing protest, which began on Magh 20, 2081 (Feb 2, 2025), aims to ensure reforms in the education sector.

The federation is demanding the government release a new draft of the Education Act, guarantee quality education, and create a teacher- and staff-friendly working environment.

According to Subedi, this movement is considered “final and decisive.” Despite ongoing talks with the government, the federation claims that no concrete agreement has been reached so far.

Following the breakdown of the latest round of dialogue on Saturday, the federation has called upon teachers and staff nationwide to converge in Kathmandu and further strengthen the movement.

The protest signals growing frustration within the education community over the government’s delay in addressing key policy reforms and ensuring dignified working conditions for educators across the country.