Thousands of Teachers Rally in Kathmandu, Renew Call for Education Bill
Thousands of teachers from across Nepal took to the streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday, intensifying their push for the immediate passage of the long-delayed School Education Bill.
Organised by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation, the demonstration brought together educators from various regions, who gathered at Maitighar and marched towards Baneshwar, demanding urgent legislative action.
Waving banners and chanting slogans like “Uphold teachers’ dignity” and “Pass the education law now,” the teachers launched an indefinite protest, calling this moment a turning point in their fight for education sector reforms.
At the heart of their demand is the endorsement of the School Education Act, which has remained stuck in Parliament despite repeated government assurances. The protest follows earlier demonstrations in March aimed at pressing the government into action.
An agreement made in September 2023 had promised amendments to the bill, but union leaders say the authorities have failed to keep their word.
A major point of contention is over jurisdiction. While the constitution grants local governments full authority over school education, teachers have resisted being placed under local units, fearing potential bias and political interference in their employment and treatment.
The teachers have vowed to continue their protest until the government fulfills its commitments and addresses their concerns with concrete legislative action.