CNT issues Aug 6 ultimatum to pass School Education Bill

KATHMANDU: The Confederation of Nepalese Teachers (CNT) has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding that it pass the School Education Bill by August 6.

Organizing a press meet in Kathmandu on Friday, the CNT said the Bill should be passed without further delay. “We call on all concerned parties to conclude the ongoing deliberations in the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives at the earliest, and pass the Bill by incorporating all past agreements no later than August 6,” CNT President Laxmi Kishor Subedi said in the press meet.

Subedi warned that they would be forced to take to the streets if the bill is not endorsed by that date, or if the government moves ahead by violating previous agreements with the CNT.

“We will launch a stronger and more decisive protest this time,” he added.

Subedi accused the government of preparing to betray teachers and school staff once again. He said the upcoming protest, rooted in deep mistrust, anger and frustration with the government, could have serious consequences if their concerns are not addressed.

The CNT also said it feels the chance of getting a forward-looking education law that protects the interests of schools, students and teaching staff are gradually fading. It said the government has shown neither seriousness nor accountability in implementing previous written agreements. These include ensuring job security for all temporary teachers, providing promotion opportunities for permanent teachers, upholding trade union rights guaranteed by the Constitution, managing school staff and pre-primary teachers, and regulating staff in institutional schools.

The CNT has reiterated that the 27-point agreement reached earlier will remain the bottom line in the negotiations with the government.