Protests Emerge as Government Schools in Far West Face Potential Closure

Dhangadhi: Teachers from government schools in the Far West region have embarked on a journey to Kathmandu to voice their concerns. These educators, typically found imparting knowledge within the classroom, have chosen the streets as their platform of expression.

Their demonstration has effectively blocked the Maitighar-Waneshwar road, highlighting their strong opposition to the proposed school education bill currently under consideration in parliament. Teachers hailing from various districts have converged in the capital city, having arranged transportation to facilitate their protest. This collective effort was initiated at the behest of the Nepal Teachers Federation, an umbrella organization representing community schools.

The Federation, in a show of solidarity, has decided to close all public schools nationwide. The teachers are protesting against 18 different aspects of the proposed bill, with active participation from personnel involved in relief work, contractual teaching, and child development. Of particular concern are issues related to teacher transfer, promotion, demotion, and the desire for autonomy from local-level authorities.

In response to the teachers' agitation, it appears that public schools in the Far West region will soon face an impending closure. The Teachers Federation has announced an indefinite shutdown, scheduled to commence on October 3rd. As a consequence of this decision, an estimated 7 million students across the nation stand to be temporarily deprived of their right to education.