Ruling coalition expects deal with teachers today, says UML leader Gyawali

KATHMANDU: The ruling coalition has expressed strong confidence that an agreement between the government and protesting teachers will be reached today, potentially bringing an end to the ongoing disruption in the education sector.

Following a meeting of the ruling alliance held on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said that talks between the government and teachers have been progressing in a positive direction. He believes a resolution is likely to be finalized within the day.

“The discussions have advanced constructively, and we are optimistic that a mutual agreement will be reached today, paving the way for normal teaching activities to resume from Thursday,” Gyawali stated.

He emphasized that the government has taken the demands of the teachers seriously and has not treated the issue lightly. Gyawali also clarified that delays in the negotiations occurred mainly because the protesting teachers had taken a firm stance of not backing down without legislative changes.

According to him, the ongoing dialogue between the government and the Nepal Teachers’ Federation has led to a near-consensus, and the agreement is expected to formally conclude later today.

“The government has been willing to talk from the beginning, but the rigidity on the teachers’ side regarding amendments to the education act delayed the process,” Gyawali added.

He further expressed hope that from Thursday onward, community school teachers across the country would return to classrooms, allowing regular teaching and learning activities to resume smoothly.