Nepal Teachers’ Union Announces New Protest Amid Unresolved Demands

The Nepal Teachers’ Union has announced plans to launch a new protest from Ashar, citing the government’s failure to address their long-standing demands. The union’s council meeting, which concluded on Shrawan 16 and 17, decided to take to the streets once again, following a series of protests in 2075, 2078, 2080, and 2081-2082.

Laxmikishor Suvedi, president of the Nepal Teachers’ Union, stated that the government has not implemented the agreements reached after previous protests. He pointed out that the 9-point decision made by the Council of Ministers on Vaisakh 17, 2082, has not been implemented, and the union’s demands remain unaddressed.

Suvedi emphasized that the union’s demands are not new and have been consistently raised over the years. He attributed the lack of progress to the government’s lack of priority for education and the insensitivity of those in power. The union is seeking, among other things, the implementation of the 9-point decision, the resolution of issues related to teacher transfers and promotions, and the provision of facilities for students.

The union has decided to start the protest with the submission of a memorandum and will gradually escalate it if their demands are not met. Suvedi clarified that the protest is not intended to intimidate the government but rather to draw attention to the pressing issues in the education sector.

When asked about the union’s relationship with the government, Suvedi stated that there have been no recent talks with the Prime Minister or the Education Minister. He expressed the union’s willingness to engage in dialogue but emphasized that the government must take the initiative to address their concerns.

Suvedi also addressed the criticism that the union is more focused on teachers’ issues than students’ concerns. He countered that the union’s demands are ultimately aimed at improving the quality of education and benefiting students.

The Nepal Teachers’ Union has been at the forefront of protests in the education sector, with its members seeking better working conditions, increased investment in education, and improved facilities for students. The union’s latest announcement is likely to put pressure on the government to address the long-standing issues in the education sector.