2025 Nepal Teachers Protest
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The 2025 Nepal Teachers' Protest was a nationwide strike and series of demonstrations organized by public school teachers across Nepal during April 2025. The movement was led primarily by the Nepal Teachers' Federation (NTF) in opposition to the government’s proposed School Education Bill, which teachers argued undermined job security, centralized teacher management, and disregarded previously signed agreements with educators' unions.[1][2]
Background
[edit]Following Nepal's transition to federalism in 2015, educators raised concerns over the decentralization of teacher recruitment and management to local governments. Teachers' unions claimed that this led to inconsistent standards and increased political interference. Although a new education bill was proposed in 2023, it remained unpassed for over a year and failed to reflect prior agreements between the government and teachers’ associations.[3]
Protests and Demands
[edit]On April 2, 2025, the NTF launched an indefinite strike involving teachers from all 77 districts. Protesters assembled in large numbers in Kathmandu, notably around Maitighar and New Baneshwor. The strike led to widespread school closures and disruptions to daily activities in the capital. Teachers demanded job security for temporary and relief quota teachers, equal pay and benefits as civil servants, inclusion in social security, and rejection of the delegation of teacher management to local governments.[4][5]
Major Events
[edit]- On April 2, 2025, the Nepal Teachers' Federation launched a peaceful protest in Kathmandu demanding the swift passage of the School Education Bill. The Federation issued a press statement urging the government to table the bill in Parliament without delay.[6]
- On April 14, 2025, mass rallies in Kathmandu disrupted public transportation. Large gatherings were seen in areas such as Maitighar Mandala and New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.[7]
- On April 21, 2025, Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai submitted her resignation to the Prime Minister amid intensifying protests.[8]
- On April 22, 2025, the National Examination Board (Nepal) announced the postponement of Grade 12 exams, which were originally scheduled to begin on April 24.[9][10]
- On April 27, 2025, at least 27 teachers, one journalist, and several police officers were injured in violent clashes near Singha Durbar in Kathmandu during the 26th day of the protest.[11]
- On April 30, 2025, the protest officially ended after a nine-point agreement was signed between Education Minister Raghuji Pant and the Nepal Teachers' Federation. The agreement guaranteed job security, recognized previous commitments, and included a commitment to pass the bill promptly.[12][13]
Government Response
[edit]Initially, the government called for dialogue, but multiple negotiation rounds failed to reach an agreement. Human rights groups criticized excessive use of force during protests. On April 27, talks resumed but remained inconclusive.[14]
Resolution
[edit]On April 30, 2025, after 29 days of protest, the NTF and the government reached a nine-point agreement, leading to the suspension of the strike. The agreement included provisions for job security, legal recognition of past agreements, and timely passage of the School Education Bill.[15][16][17]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Nepalese teachers protest against education bill in Kathmandu". BBC News. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Nepal teachers stage nationwide strike demanding new education act". National Herald India. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Thousands of teachers protest over delay in endorsing education bill". ANI News. 8 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Nepalese teachers flood capital in protest over education bill". Fox News. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Teachers continue protests over 10 unmet demands despite repeated government agreements". OnlineKhabar. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "शिक्षा विधेयक चाँडो ल्याउन शिक्षक महासंघको दबाब". Nagarik News. April 2, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "In Photos: Teachers continue protest demanding enactment of School Education Act". My Republica. April 14, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Nepal's Edu Minister steps down amid ongoing teachers' protests". India Today Education. April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "PM instructs NEB to postpone Grade 12 exams". The Kathmandu Post. April 22, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Thousands of teachers protest in Nepal against education bill, shutting schools". The Hindu. April 24, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Teacher-police clash: 27 injured, including journalist". My Republica. April 27, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Teachers suspend month-long strike after nine-point deal with government". The Kathmandu Post. April 30, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Agreement between government and teachers' federation ends protest". Setopati. April 30, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Protesting teachers sit for talks but refuse to budge". The Kathmandu Post. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Nepal Teachers Protest 2025: Nine-Point Deal Reached". Khoj Samachar. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ "Teachers suspend month-long strike after nine-point deal with government". The Kathmandu Post. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Agreement between government and teachers' federation ends protest". Setopati. 30 April 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2025.