By Jheruleene Anne Ramos
Thousands of Nepali teachers staged a protest over the weekend to urge the federal government to immediately address their mounting concerns over political rights and job security.
At least 36,000 teachers, led by the National Federation of Teachers (NTF), marched along a 1km stretch near the Maitighar Mandala while chanting slogans and blocking roads.
NTF president Laxmi Kishor Subedi sharply criticised the federal government for forcing educators onto the streets, calling their conduct “disgraceful”.
“It is a shame that teachers have to protest to ensure their rights and secure the future of the teaching profession. We would rather be in classrooms teaching students, but the government’s negligence has forced us into the streets,” he said, as quoted by Khabarhub.
Long-standing demands remain unanswered
Nepali teachers have long pushed for implementation of an amended School Education Bill, which is seen as crucial for upholding the federal constitution and centralising education, but progress has been slow.
Teachers are also calling for temporary educators to be awarded permanent status and given standard long-term benefits.
Another major demand is to remove control over teacher appointments from local government in favour of a centralised authority.
In addition, the teachers seek a “special category” system to ensure transfers, promotions, and appointments are without political interference.
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Calls for increased benefits as profession loses appeal
Beyond job security, teachers are advocating for special allowances in remote areas as well as uniform salaries across public and private schools.
They are also pushing for a contribution-based social security fund to be set up in case of emergencies and financial uncertainties.
Teachers further demand additional allowances and health benefits for those with many years of service to ensure financial and health security.
Protestors warn that the teaching profession is becoming less attractive due to poor service benefits and widespread job insecurity, which could harm Nepal’s education system in the long run.
Prem Saud, a teacher from Nuwakot, noted that even advertised teaching positions often go unfilled, reflecting a profound lack of interest in the profession.
With fewer recruits, existing teachers are then overburdened with large classes, compromising both their well-being and the quality of education.
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More protests planned as government seeks dialogue
Following the one-day protest over the weekend, the NTF announced on Tuesday that it will stage a series of sit-in demonstrations at the headquarters of major political parties to increase pressure on the government.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Nepali teachers have protested.
In October 2023, educators and staff staged a nationwide demonstration, even sleeping on the streets, but their demands went unmet.
Past agreements between the government and the NTF have repeatedly failed to bring about lasting solutions, fuelling continued discontent on both sides.
With teacher demands growing, Ministry of Education spokesperson Shiva Kumar Sapkota said that the government remains dedicated to enforcing its agreement with the NTF, particularly the passage of the School Education Bill.
“The government is looking for a reasonable solution. Exploring a long-term solution in line with the existing laws is taking time,” he said, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Sapkota also said that the government has no “ill motive” regarding the Bill, even though its implementation has been delayed.
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Ren Azrack Escosio 
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