Govt, teachers’ federation near deal; Grade 12 exams likely on schedule

KATHMANDU: Although Tuesday’s bilateral talks between the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF) have yet to yield a formal agreement, both parties appear to be moving toward a positive resolution.

Encouragingly, they have shown flexibility regarding the timely conduct of the upcoming Grade 12 examinations, scheduled to begin on Baisakh 21.

NTF Vice-Chairperson Nanu Maya Parajuli affirmed the Federation’s full responsibility in ensuring the exams are conducted on schedule.

She reiterated their commitment to not disrupt the national examinations. During the discussions, the NTF submitted a nine-point demand to the government. Federation representatives indicated that if certain demands are approved by the Council of Ministers, they are willing to modify the nature of their ongoing protest.

Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Raghuraj Pant described the talks as heading in a “positive direction,” adding that efforts are underway to reach a conclusion soon. The Federation also stated that it has already presented its minimum points of agreement to the government. A final decision by the government will be followed by an internal meeting of the Federation to determine the next phase of their movement.

The ongoing protest, which began on Chaitra 20, has significantly impacted Nepal’s public education system.

The government appears increasingly serious about resolving the dispute, especially with the participation of high-level officials in the latest round of talks, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Led by Federation Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi, the NTF delegation made a strong case for the demands of the teaching community.

As the protest enters its 28th day, stakeholders are hopeful that a concrete agreement will be reached soon, minimizing further disruptions in the education sector.