KATHMANDU: Lalitpur Metropolitan City has directed all community schools under its jurisdiction to resume educational activities from Tuesday, following a Supreme Court order to ensure children’s right to education is not disrupted.
Issuing a circular on Monday, Metropolitan City Spokesperson Raju Maharjan instructed all community schools to begin the new academic session from April 29.
“In accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive that children across the country should not be deprived of regular education, all community schools are requested to fully operate regular classes, student enrollment, and other educational activities,” Maharjan stated.
The directive comes amid a nationwide protest led by the Nepal Teachers Federation, which entered its 27th day on Monday. Teachers have been demonstrating in Kathmandu since April 9, demanding the immediate promulgation of a new Education Act and the implementation of previous agreements with the government.
The protests have severely disrupted the new academic session, with school admissions and regular classes at a standstill across many parts of the country. Tensions escalated on Sunday when clashes between police and protesters in the New Baneshwor area left at least 62 teachers injured.
Despite the impact on students and growing pressure, the government has yet to engage the protesting teachers in serious dialogue, further intensifying the standoff.
Addressing protesting teachers at Bijuli Bazaar on Monday, Nepal Teachers Federation President Laxmikishore Subedi declared that teachers would not retreat from their movement until the School Education Act is enacted.
“Thousands of teachers have remained steadfast on the frontlines for 27 days,” Subedi said. “We will not get tired or run away. Instead, it will be those in power who will stumble and retreat. We will not back down until the Education Act is promulgated.”
As the standoff continues, concerns are mounting over the potential loss of an entire month of the new academic session, with no clear resolution in sight.
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