Teachers’ Federation holds sit-in protest at RSP party office (photos)

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF) has staged a sit-in at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, urging the government to amend the proposed School Education Bill.

The demonstration, part of the federation’s first phase of protest, comes in line with previous agreements between the NTF and the government.

NTF Chair Laxmikishor Subedi stated that the protest aims to pressure lawmakers to address the federation’s demands before the bill proceeds further in the House of Representatives.

The federation emphasized that addressing teachers’ and staff’s concerns is essential to enhancing public education. The protest will continue until Sept 20.

Key demands include maintaining a recruitment ratio of 75% internal competition and 25% open competition for temporary teaching positions.

However, the bill, as passed by the parliamentary committee and sent to the House, proposes a 60% internal and 40% open competition ratio.

The federation has also raised concerns over undefined positions and salaries for school staff, the lack of job security and benefits for early childhood teachers, and impractical transfer systems for teachers in institutional schools.

The School Education Bill was passed by the House Committee on Education, Health, and Technology on Aug 21.

Major opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, have voiced dissent on several provisions of the bill.