KATHMANDU: The first round of talks between the government and teachers who have been staging a protest in Kathmandu for the past 25 days concluded on Saturday at Singha Durbar, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions.
The dialogue was held at the call of newly appointed Education Minister Raghuji Pant in an effort to address the concerns raised by the teachers demanding the swift promulgation of the School Education Bill, 2023.
Nepal Teachers Federation President Laxmikishore Subedi, speaking briefly to journalists after the talks, said the discussion had moved forward positively. “Discussions have taken place. The current discussions have ended with further discussions. No time has been set for further discussions,” he said.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Education in the presence of Minister Pant. Other attendees included Education Secretary Deepak Kafle, Co-President of the Teachers Federation and coordinator of the ongoing movement Nanumaya Parajuli, and General Secretary Tula Bahadur Thapa.
The teachers’ agitation, ongoing since April 2, centers around demands to pass the School Education Bill, which they argue is crucial to addressing systemic issues within Nepal’s public education sector. Further dialogue is expected in the coming days as both sides seek a resolution.
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