Many public teachers disagreed on some of the provisions mentioned in the School Education Bill, which fuelled the protest. This bill, proposed 54 years back, cannot meet the interests of teachers and students. 

In September 2023, teachers showed their dissatisfaction with the School Education Bill and started a protest on the streets of Kathmandu.

Addressing the protest, the government called for a meeting with the protesting teachers. During the discussion, both parties reached a six-point agreement. However, the government has not amended and passed the bill in the Parliament as promised.

As a result, many government teachers returned to Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 to demand the passing of the bill.

When did the Teachers’ Protest Begin?

Teachers gathered in Kathmandu in September 2023 for the first time to amend some of the provisions of the School Education Bill. 

At that time, 29,000 public schools were shut down, leaving many students without education for about a month. After the protest, the government and teachers came to an agreement, now known as the “Six-Point Agreement.” 

However, due to the provisions of the agreement not being implemented even after 18 months of the initial objection, teachers are protesting once again. One major issue still unsolved is whether teachers should be managed by the federal or local government. 

So, to pressure the government to amend and pass the School Education Bill as soon as possible, the teachers’ protest started for the second time on 2 April 2025. 

What are the Six-Point Agreement?

One of the major concerns of the provisions of the bill was the plan to give local government power to manage teachers, as stated in the Constitution of Nepal 2072.
In response, the government held emergency talks. These led to a six-point agreement between a government team led by the then Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and the teachers’ team led by Kamala Tuladhar, who was the president of the Teachers’ Federation at that time.

The key six-point agreement between the protesting teachers and the government is: 

1. Federal Control of Teacher Management – The Nepal Teachers’ Federation wants the hiring, promoting, and transferring of teachers under national authority instead of the local government. They proclaim that giving power to local governments may create political interference and favouritism.

2. Job Security for Temporary Teachers – Teachers working under temporary or relief quotas demand a fair chance at permanent positions through competitive internal exams.

3. Including Teacher Representatives in Drafting Regulations for the Act – After passing the bill, detailed rules (called regulations) will be implemented. Teachers want their representatives to be involved in writing these rules so that their practical concerns are addressed from the start.

4. Pension and Social Security – The Federation wants legal protections in the School Education Bill to secure teachers’ rights to pension, social security, and retirement benefits.

5. Role in School Decision-Making – Teachers want a formal say in school decisions by having seats in school management committees.

6. Respect and Recognition – They also demand that teachers be treated with the same level of respect and status as other civil servants in Nepal’s official order of precedence.

What are the Impacts?

Nepal’s ongoing teachers’ protest has significantly disrupted the education sector, with schools remaining closed and enrolment processes stalling as the new academic year begins. 

The answer sheets from the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) are still unchecked. This protest directly harms grade 12 students as they are awaiting their final board examination. The examination is postponed for the upcoming 21 Baisakh 2082.

In Kathmandu, especially the Baneshwor and Maithighar areas, are blocked due to the protest, and individuals travelling through this route suffer from heavy traffic. In addition, this protest affects the labour rights of the transportation workers.

What Are the Teachers’ Protest Implications for Education Reform and Governance?

The 2025 teachers’ protest highlights how fragile Nepal’s transition to federalism is, especially in key areas like education, where cooperation across all government levels is crucial. 

The protest has slowed down important reforms, shut down public schools, and raised serious doubts about whether the government can fully implement the Constitution.

Conclusion

The ongoing teachers’ protest shows the serious problems in Nepal’s education system and in how federalism is being carried out. Even after two years, the government has not kept the promises made in the six-point agreement.

As a result, public schools are shut, students’ futures are at risk, and education reforms are delayed once again. Without the government and teachers finding a solution, Nepal’s dream of building a strong and fair education system will remain out of reach.