After the 29-day-long teachers’ protest, finally, the government and the teachers came to a mutual agreement, a nine-point agreement.
The nine-point agreement was reached after numerous discussions between the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Raghuji Pant, who represented the government, and representatives of the Teachers Federation. The protest, which started on 2 April 2025, was peaceful until it turned violent on 27 April, leaving more than 26 teachers injured. According to the education minister, all the injured teachers and school staff will get free treatment discounts at the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu as per the new agreement.
What Are the Nine Point Agreements?
Here are the major concerns of the nine-point agreement between the government and the teachers:
- Medical Benefits – Provision of medical expense benefits to all teachers and free health treatments.
- Accumulated Sick Leave – Temporary teachers to receive lump-sum payments for accumulated sick leave upon retirement. This provision is also the same for the relief, contractual, learning grant, technical stream, special education, and child development facilitators.
- Remuneration for Early Childhood Facilitators – The government is to regulate salaries for early childhood development facilitators and school employees.
- Salary and Grade Adjustments – From fiscal year 2082/83, permanent teachers in various grades will receive salaries equal to those of civil servants, ensuring better pay and recognition.
- Remote Area Allowance – All teachers, including permanent, relief quota, contract-based, technical, and special education teachers, will receive remote area allowances based on existing laws.
- Social Security Inclusion – Teachers and staff in community schools who are paid through private sources will be included in the Social Security Fund for retirement and health benefits.
- Order of Precedence – Teachers will be formally listed in the Government of Nepal’s order of precedence, giving them equal status with other public officials.
- Free Treatment for Injured Personnel – All individuals (teachers, police, journalists, etc.) injured during the teachers’ protest will get free treatment in government hospitals.
- Pay Upgrade for Lower Secondary Teachers – Lower secondary first-grade teachers will now receive the same salary and grade as secondary second-grade teachers, improving pay equity.
What Will Be the New Academic Year and the Reopening of Schools?
After reaching the agreement, the new academic year has already begun, bringing the students and teachers back to where they belong, the school. The icing on the cake is another positive news: Grade 12 students have already finished their first paper. Their exams started from May 4, 2025.
Subedi thanked political leaders, journalists, and everyone who supported their concerns. However, he warned that if the agreement is not implemented on time, especially the passing of the School Education Bill by June 29, they may protest again.
The teachers had been protesting in Kathmandu since 2 April, demanding amendments to certain provisions of the School Education Bill to protect their rights.
Conclusion
The 29-day-long teachers’ protest ended following a significant nine-point agreement with the government. This deal promises better pay, medical benefits, job security, and formal recognition for teachers across Nepal. As schools reopen and the academic year resumes, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the government keeps its promises, especially passing the School Education Bill by June 29.
If these commitments are not fulfilled, the Teachers’ Federation may return to protest, making continued cooperation crucial for lasting reform in Nepal’s education sector.
Babita Pariyar
Babita is a law student with a keen interest in property accountancy and legal compliance. She contributes insightful, well-researched articles that reflect a fresh and analytical perspective on evolving legal matters.
