Ei-iE

In a powerful display of unity and determination, thousands of Nepalese teachers have once again gathered in the capital, demanding the government pass the long-awaited School Education Bill. The protest, organized by the Confederation of Nepali Teachers (CNT), comes one-and-a-half years after a previous demonstration was called off following a six-point agreement with the government.

Honoring the commitment to teachers

The key demand of the Nepalese teachers centers on revising and enacting the School Education Bill to ensure job security, fair wages, and improved working conditions for teachers and school staff. Despite an agreement reached in 2023, the government has not followed through on its commitments, prompting teachers to resume their movement.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Nepal who continue to fight for their rights and the future of education,” said Anand Singh, Director of the Education International Asia-Pacific (EIAP) region. “Teachers must be heard, respected, and given the dignity of permanent employment and fair wages.”

Call for immediate action

The Nepal Teachers’ Association (NTA), Nepal National Teachers Association and Institutional School Teachers Unions, Nepal School Employees Council, all member organizations of Education International and constituents of CNT, have announced an indefinite strike beginning April 2nd, should the government fail to take immediate steps toward passing the bill. Their movement will escalate in the coming days, including protests targeting the headquarters of major political parties and planned sit-ins.

Education as a fundamental right

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of any nation. EI reasserts that the rights of teachers must be safeguarded for the overall well-being of students and the broader community. The government must recognize that education reform cannot be delayed and that honoring agreements with teachers is a crucial step toward strengthening the public education system.

Solidarity with Nepalese teachers

EI stands firmly with the Nepalese teachers and calls upon the global education community to support their cause. The struggle for fair labor conditions and quality education is not just a national issue—it is a global movement that deserves attention and action.

“We recognize the dedication and resilience of teachers across Nepal, who continue to advocate for quality education, job security, and fair service conditions despite repeated delays in the implementation of the 2023 six-point agreement,” acknowledged Singh.

Details of the Six-Point Agreement

The six-point agreement reached in 2023 between the government and CNT included the following key provisions:

1. Job Security: Ensuring permanent status for all non-permanent teachers and school staff.
2. Fair Wages: Establishing fair wages and working conditions that reflect the invaluable contributions of teachers to society.
3. Implementation of Commitments: Immediate implementation of the commitments made regarding teacher employment conditions.
4. Relief Quota Teachers: Addressing the precarious situation faced by relief quota teachers, early childhood teachers, temporary teachers, and thousands of institutional schools’ teachers.
5. Internal Promotions: Providing either the right to internal promotions or job security until retirement.
6. Education Reform: Prioritizing the swift passage of the School Education Bill to fulfill the commitments made to teachers and advance Nepal’s education system.

“It is deeply concerning that after one-and-a-half years, the government has yet to uphold its commitments, leaving teachers in precarious employment and the education system in a state of uncertainty,” noted Singh.

He added: “We commend your determination and reaffirm our commitment to standing by your side in this critical moment. EIAP will also take this issue to the international stage, ensuring that your fight for justice and quality education gains the attention it deserves.”

Education International, via its regional office will monitor the situation and the implementation of the School Education Act that Nepali teachers are calling for. Nepal is a target country of the EI Go Public! Fund Education campaign and these protests are in line with the campaign goals and demands.