KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Sumana Shrestha announced that 825 teachers have resigned from their political party memberships.
This information was revealed during a press conference held on Tuesday to mark the 100th day of her tenure in the Ministry of Education.
She further noted that within this period, complaints were filed against 45 teachers, explanations were sought from 41 teachers, and 4 teachers were exonerated.
Minister Shrestha stated that efforts have been initiated to end political interference in education.
She emphasized her commitment to implementing an agenda that prohibits teachers from holding memberships in political parties and engaging in political activities.
Regarding the new education bill, Minister Shrestha mentioned that she is uncertain about its exact arrival date, as it is currently under discussion in the parliamentary committee.
She clarified that while the executive branch has urged for its prompt introduction, the timeline is beyond her control.
“We are in the executive branch, and the bill is in the legislature. Many ask when it will come; we have requested both orally and in writing for it to be expedited. The committee is conducting discussions across various provinces, but as to when it will come, I don’t know,” she stated.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish procedures and standards for the appointment of officials in higher education institutions. A recommendation committee for the vice-chairperson of the CTEVT has already been formed, according to Minister Shrestha.
Minister Shrestha claimed that the appointment processes for members of the Tribhuvan University Service Commission and vice-chancellors are now based on merit and suitability rather than political considerations.
She asserted that a system has been developed to appoint education officials based on merit rather than political affiliations.
The government has initiated a study for the alignment of teacher positions.
Furthermore, she mentioned the initiation of the process to uncover and investigate reports of irregularities in the education sector by various commissions.
Efforts are also being made to implement an annual work schedule to improve higher education, Minister Shrestha informed.
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