Teachers refuse to sit for talks with government

KATHMANDU: The agitating Confederation of Nepali Teachers (CNT) has refused to engage in talks with the government.

Although Minister for Education, Science and Technology Bidya Bhattarai had formally invited the agitating teachers via phone and a written letter for negotiation on Friday, officials of CNT did not heed the call.

Officiating Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh and Education Minister Bhattarai awaited CNT representatives at the Ministry of Urban Development for the talks, but representatives of teachers did not show up.

Minister Bhattarai reiterated that the government is ready to address teachers’ demands and advance the School Education Bill.

However, CNT officials argue that the government should prioritize advancing the School Education Bill rather than holding discussions. “There is no point in holding talks. The government should focus on enacting the law instead,” said CNT Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi.

Teachers across the country have been protesting in Kathmandu since Wednesday, demanding, among others, the early passage of the School Education Bill.