Dialogue Set to Resume Today Between Government and Protesting Teachers

Today (April 26), a meeting is planned between the government and teachers, after yesterday’s talks were postponed. The meeting did not happen because the Nepal Teachers Federation refused to join. They said the Ministry of Education had already selected 25 teacher representatives without their consent.

Some representatives from other teacher groups had already reached the ministry, but when they saw the list at the Singha Durbar gate, the federation members decided to leave.

Education Minister Raghuji Pant said the teachers themselves had given the names, but if there is any disagreement, he has asked the federation to suggest their own official team for talks.

He also said the government is ready to solve the problem through discussion with the federation’s official team.

The teachers have been protesting in Kathmandu for the past 25 days, seeking a new School Education Act that incorporates their demands. Because of the protest, student admissions, classes in public schools, SEE answer checking and Grade 12 exams have suffered.

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to make sure schools start teaching again within three days.