Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Confederation of Nepalese Teachers (CNT), which is leading a nationwide protest of school teachers, has said that it intends to hold separate talks with the government and representatives of political parties.
The CNT has taken to the streets to protest against the Bill to amend and consolidate laws related to education which the government introduced in the House of Representatives recently.
Sundar Pant, National Vice President of the Nepal Teachers Association, an organization affiliated with the CNT, stated that they would engage in separate discussions with the government and leaders of major political parties in parliament. According to Pant, the CNT will initially hold discussions with a team comprising ministers and secretaries from three ministries: education, law, and finance. “We will then engage in discussions with the whips of parties represented in parliament and seek their commitment to address our demands,” Pant said. “The provisions in the Bill will be amended to incorporate agreements reached with the government and representatives of political parties.”
CNT officials had earlier said, during a meeting with Deputy PM Narayan Kaji Shrestha, that whips of major political parties should also be included in meetings with government officials. The CNT has been saying that there is no point in talking with government officials now that the Bill has already reached parliament.
Both the government and protesting teachers have faced criticism as the protest has affected seven million students across the country.
Different unions of school teachers say that the government disregarded the suggestions they provided during the different stages of drafting the Bill. Most of their demands pertain to their professional safety and facilities.
