Teachers' protest disrupts student enrollment campaign in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: The ongoing teachers' protest centered in Kathmandu has significantly impacted the student enrollment campaign in Kanchanpur. Although the government had planned to launch the campaign in community schools starting April 20, the movement has been hindered due to the strike led by the Teachers' Federation.

Since April 20, teachers have been staging street protests demanding the enactment of the School Education Act. In solidarity with the strike, numerous community schools have issued notices expressing their support for the Teachers' Federation and announced the suspension of all educational activities.

Devraj Bhatta, Principal of Mahendranagar Secondary School, confirmed that teaching activities have been halted. "The teachers have gone to Kathmandu to participate in the protest. There is no environment conducive to educational work," he said. He further mentioned that teaching for Grade 11 has also been suspended and activities will resume only after the government addresses the teachers’ demands.

Pushparaj Ojha, Principal of Shanti Niketan Secondary School, also issued a notice stating that all academic operations have been suspended. Most teachers in the district have joined the protests in Kathmandu, leading to the closure of community schools and a halt to their educational programs. Uttam Bista, Principal of Shanti Basic School, stated that the school would remain closed until their demands are fulfilled. "We will return to work as soon as the government addresses our demands," he said, warning that the upcoming Class 12 exams scheduled for April 11 could also be affected.

All community schools in the district remain closed as teachers continue their strike. Despite announcements from the local government to begin the enrollment campaign from Tuesday, schools have remained shut due to the ongoing protest.

Haridatta Joshi, head of the Education Department of Bhimdatta Municipality, confirmed that the campaign has not commenced. "The teachers are on strike due to academic demands. All the community schools are closed," he said. "The student enrollment campaign has not been conducted due to the teachers' protest." Joshi expressed hope that the government would reach a conclusion soon.