Ministry won’t recognize teachers, staff unions tied to political parties: Pun

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has decided not to recognize associations of teachers, professors and staff that are directly or indirectly affiliated with political parties as sister or well-wisher organizations.

Issuing a notice signed by Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mahabir Pun, on Sunday, the ministry said its serious attention has been drawn toward complaints received from parents, students, teachers, civil society, education experts, and other stakeholders, about associations of teachers, professors and staff with political associations.

“Professional organisations such as the Confederation of Nepali Teachers, as well as associations of university professors and staff, were established as per the Labor Act, 2017 and the Trade Union Act, 1992, to protect and promote professional rights and interests through collective bargaining,” the ministry said in the notice. “However, in recent years, these organisations have increasingly engaged in political activities contrary to their professional duties and ethical responsibilities, adversely affecting the quality of education.”

Stating that laws governing public service clearly require teachers, professors, and staff to uphold professional duties, ethics, and conduct, Minister Pun reminded in the notice that no law grants them the right to engage in political activities beyond matters related to professional welfare.

The ministry has also warned that individuals involved in such political activities will face action as per the existing laws.