KATHMANDU: Talks between the government and agitating teachers have begun at Singha Durbar on Saturday morning, following a prolonged protest that has entered its 25th day.
The dialogue was initiated at the request of newly appointed Education Minister Raghuji Pant, who called on the leadership of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation to come to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing dispute over the School Education Bill.
The meeting is being held at the Ministry of Education, where Education Secretary Deepak Kafle, Nepal Teachers’ Federation President Laxmikishore Subedi, Co-President and Movement Coordinator Nanumaya Parajuli, and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa are representing the teachers. Minister Pant is personally attending the meeting to hear and address the concerns raised by the federation.
The teachers, who have been staging demonstrations since April 2, are demanding the immediate passage of the School Education Bill, which is currently under discussion in the parliamentary committee of the House of Representatives. They argue that the bill is essential to protect their rights and ensure reforms in the education sector.
According to Minister Pant’s secretariat, the talks aim to find a long-term and sustainable solution to the teachers’ demands. Friday’s meeting had ended inconclusively, prompting the Ministry to invite the federation’s chairperson and office bearers for further discussions today.
More details are expected as the talks progress.
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