Why Are Teachers Threatening to Protest Again? What Is the Government’s Response?
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In ancient Greek mythology, King Sisyphus was condemned to roll a huge boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top, forcing him to start again.
The current debate surrounding teachers’ protests and the status of the School Education Bill shares a similar repetitive and frustrating pattern.
After repeated protests and agreements aimed at passing the bill, teachers are once again expressing dissatisfaction that progress has come to a standstill.
The Story of the Education Bill
Three years ago, on September 12, 2023 (Bhadra 27, 2080 BS), teachers frequently protested to urge Parliament to pass the School Education Bill. Although the Constitution was enacted in 2015 (2072 BS), it took eight years to draft the corresponding education legislation.
Thousands of teachers from across the country applied sustained pressure on the streets of Kathmandu, leading the government to forge a nine-point agreement with the Teachers’ Federation on April 29, 2025 (Baisakh 17, 2082 BS). The agreement stipulated that the bill would be passed by July 1 of the same year.
However, the bill was not passed, and after the ‘Jan Andolan’ uprising, Parliament was dissolved, nullifying even the bill that had been approved by the Education Committee.
Currently, the Teachers’ Federation is demanding that the new House of Representatives register the bill again.
“Last September, after years of effort, the bill was passed by the Education Committee and its subcommittee and was ready to be submitted to the House for discussion. It was scheduled for presentation on September 12 (Bhadra 26),” Federation Chair Laxmikishor Subedi said. But due to the ‘Jan Andolan’ movement, the government was displaced on September 10 (Bhadra 24), and Parliament was soon dissolved.
“So far, the new government has neither drafted the bill nor registered it in Parliament. Even preliminary work has yet to begin,” Subedi expressed with frustration.
Regulations Adding Salt to the Wound
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The new regulations introduced by the government have only further angered teachers already frustrated that their hard-won bill is once again in limbo.
Consequently, the Teachers’ Federation has warned of an educational protest next month.
“There are reasons forcing us to protest again. The exclusion of tens of thousands of education sector employees from the salary raise given in the budget is one cause, and the new regulations further weakening teachers is another,” Subedi explained.
They accuse the government’s actions of adding insult to injury.
“The government has announced about a 21% salary increase in the latest budget. But kindergarten teachers, school staff, and teachers receiving teaching and learning grants are excluded from this benefit,” Subedi said.
According to him, nearly 30,000 early childhood teachers, 30,000 staff members, and 10,000 teaching-learning grant teachers are deprived of the increase.
The Ministry of Education released the Education (Tenth Amendment) Regulations, 2083 last month, provisions of which the Teachers’ Federation sees as weakening educators.
“The regulations complicate the transfer process. We had hoped they would simplify transfers, but instead they impose harsh conditions preventing transfers for up to three years,” Subedi said.
He also voiced dissatisfaction over the weakening of School Management Committees, which include parents, while giving more power to local municipalities.
“Our demand was for principals to provide strong administrative and academic leadership. Instead, the regulations allow municipal chiefs to remove principals at will,” he stated.
Though the Teachers’ Federation officials are actively advocating educational policy in Kathmandu and attending government councils, Subedi warned that restrictions would harm teachers in remote areas.
“It seems efforts are being made even to control the Teachers’ Federation itself. Such a system will lead to a crisis in school education, which is why protesting has become necessary.”
Government Response
Image source, GoN
The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed it is working to reintroduce the School Education Bill to Parliament.
“The timeline has been set. Some changes have arisen based on government policy, public expectations, and perspectives. Efforts are ongoing to address these changes made over the last year,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Undersecretary Shivkumar Sapkota.
He stated the government is prepared to address most issues raised by teachers within the bill through consultations.
“So far, the tenth amendment to the regulations has come as a measure to remove obstacles,” he added.
The government plans to view the teachers’ dissatisfaction with the regulations from two angles.
“There is a natural partnership on issues related to teacher service benefits. Questions regarding transfers may be raised. If any restrictions exist, these will be addressed upon bill completion.”
“Regarding the governance of school education, the Government of Nepal holds its own perspective and will proceed accordingly. Local governments currently manage school administration under their jurisdictions.”
He noted that since many issues raised by teachers will be addressed in the bill, ongoing discussions and consultations are the appropriate path for now.
The Teachers’ Federation is preparing to submit its demands—including implementation of previous agreements—to the government before deciding on any protest programs.
Nationwide, there are approximately 27,500 public and about 35,000 private schools in operation.
Nearly 250,000 teachers and staff work in public schools, while approximately 150,000 are employed in private schools, totaling around 400,000 educational personnel.