Govt invites agitating teachers for talks

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has invited protesting teachers for talks.

Shiva Kumar Sapkota, the spokesperson for the ministry, issued a statement on Thursday, urging agitating teachers to engage in discussions.

“The government has always been ready to hold discussions with the teaching community and build consensus on their demands. In this regard, the ministry warmly welcomes representatives of teachers and staff for talks,” the statement added.

Teachers across the country, led by the Confederation of Nepali Teachers (CNT), have been staging protests in Kathmandu, demanding, among others, the early passage of the School Education Bill by Parliament. The bill is currently under consideration at the Committee on Education, Health, and Information Technology of the House of Representatives.

Teachers had put pressure on the government to pass the Bill during the parliament’s winter session. Since the winter session has already been prorogued, they are now demanding that the Bill be introduced through an ordinance if necessary. They have also been demanding that the government incorporate past agreements reached with the CNT in the new law.

Acknowledging the demands and concerns of teachers, the ministry said it remains positive about fostering an environment for the timely passage of the Bill.

The ministry also reminded stakeholders about the legislative process—submission of the Bill in parliament, discussion and approval, emphasizing the need to follow legal procedures.