By Nepali Bichar Desk | April 30, 2025

In every country, teachers are the real heroes behind the progress of society. They help shape the minds of young children and prepare them to become doctors, engineers, farmers, leaders, and good citizens. But in Nepal, the very people who build our nation’s future are being ignored. That’s why teachers across the country are now raising their voices — not just for themselves, but for a fair and better education system.

The current protest and movement by teachers is not about politics or personal gain. It is about justice, dignity, and a strong demand to change the outdated Nepal Education Act (शिक्षा ऐन) — a law that no longer meets the needs of teachers or students in today’s time.

🔍 What Are Teachers Demanding?

The teachers are asking the government to amend the Education Act in a way that ensures fairness, equality, and respect for all teachers — whether they are permanent, temporary, or working on contracts. Their key demands include:

• Job security: Many teachers across the country are working under temporary or contract-based arrangements for years. They are asking to be made permanent through a clear and fair process.

• Equal treatment: Teachers want the new Education Act to ensure that all teachers are treated equally — no more discrimination between public and private school teachers or between permanent and temporary teachers.

• Clear promotion system: Many teachers spend their whole careers without promotions. The new Act must include rules for timely promotions based on experience and performance.

• Pension and retirement benefits: Teachers, like other government employees, should receive pensions and benefits after retirement. The law must make this a right, not a privilege.

• Professional dignity: Teachers are asking the government to recognize their work as a respected profession and give them the value they deserve in policymaking and education planning.

⚖️ Why the Current Education Act Is Not Enough

Nepal’s current Education Act is decades old. Over the years, the education system has changed, but the law has not kept up. Today, the law does not address the needs of thousands of teachers who are working in unstable conditions. It also doesn’t give equal rights to all teachers or include modern solutions to modern problems in schools.

For example, contract teachers — even those who have worked for 10 or 15 years — still live with fear and uncertainty. They can be removed at any time. This is unfair and hurts the quality of education. When teachers are not treated fairly, how can we expect them to give their best in classrooms?

🏫 This Is Not Just a Teachers’ Issue — It’s a National Issue

When teachers suffer, students suffer too. When schools do not have stable and motivated teachers, the quality of education drops. And when education suffers, the future of our entire country is at risk.

That is why this movement is not just a “teachers’ protest” — it is a national movement for educational justice. It affects every family, every child, and every village across Nepal.

The government must understand that education is not just about buildings and textbooks. It is about the people who teach — our teachers. And if we cannot protect and support them, then we are failing the next generation.

💬 Teachers Are Not Asking for Special Privileges

Some people say that teachers are asking for too much. But that is not true. Teachers are simply asking for basic rights — job security, equal treatment, retirement benefits, and respect. These are the same rights that other government workers already enjoy.

Teachers are not demanding luxury. They are demanding fairness. They are not threatening the government — they are peacefully requesting change through talks, rallies, and strikes. In a democracy, this is their right.

🤝 Government and Teachers Must Work Together

Recently, the government and the teachers’ union sat for talks. Both sides have said the discussion was “positive,” but no clear agreement has been reached yet. This delay is creating more frustration and fear among teachers.

The government must now take this matter seriously. It must invite more meaningful dialogue, listen to teachers’ voices, and begin the process to change the Education Act without delay.

Changing the law may take time, but the government can start by making clear promises and showing political will. Words alone are not enough — teachers need action.

🌱 A Better Education Act Means a Stronger Nepal

If Nepal truly wants to build a better future, it must invest in teachers. A modern, fair, and inclusive Education Act will not only improve the lives of teachers — it will improve our entire education system.

With a fair law, more young people will be encouraged to become teachers. Schools will have better staff. Students will receive better education. And Nepal will take a step forward toward progress and equality.

📢 Our Message: Stand With Our Teachers

At Nepali Bichar, we strongly support the teachers’ movement. We believe that changing the Nepal Education Act is not just necessary — it is urgent.

We call on the government to take immediate steps to:

• Amend the outdated Education Act

• Protect the rights of all teachers

• End job insecurity and inequality

• Build an education system based on fairness and respect

To the people of Nepal — this is our time to support those who have always supported us. When we were children, it was teachers who guided us. Now it is our duty to stand by them.

📝 Let us not wait for another crisis. Let us act now — for our teachers, for our children, and for the future of Nepal.