Nepal’s education sector has been rocked by widespread protests from teachers, particularly in 2025, as educators across the country demand reforms to address long-standing issues in the education system. Led primarily by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF), these protests have disrupted academic activities, drawn national attention, and sparked debates about the future of public education in Nepal. This blog explores the reasons behind the teachers’ protests, the conflicts that have arisen, and potential solutions to resolve the crisis, all while shedding light on the broader implications for Nepal’s education system.
Reasons Behind the Teachers’ Protest
The core demand of the protesting teachers is the immediate enactment of the School Education Act, a long-delayed piece of legislation that teachers believe is essential for addressing systemic issues in Nepal’s education sector. The protests, which began on April 2, 2025, intensified after the federal parliament was prorogued without advancing the bill, leaving educators frustrated with the government’s inaction. Here are the primary reasons fueling the protests:
1. Delayed School Education Bill:
The School Education Bill, introduced in September 2023, has been stalled in a parliamentary committee for over a year and a half. Teachers argue that this bill is crucial for implementing the Constitution of Nepal (2072), which delegates authority over school education to local and provincial governments. The absence of this law has led to ambiguity in teacher management, hiring, salaries, and promotions.
2. Job Security and Benefits:
Teachers are demanding job security, standardized salaries comparable to civil servants, and improved working conditions. Many temporary teachers seek permanent positions based on prior agreements with the government. The NTF has highlighted that the lack of a clear legal framework leaves educators vulnerable to administrative uncertainties and inadequate benefits.
3. Educational Reforms:
The protests are not solely about teachers’ welfare but also about improving the overall education system. The proposed School Education Act aims to enhance school management, ensure better learning environments for students, and address administrative inefficiencies. Teachers believe that without this act, public education in Nepal will continue to suffer.
4. Broken Agreements:
The NTF claims that the government has failed to honor past agreements, including a six-point deal reached in September 2023 after earlier protests. These unfulfilled promises have eroded trust, prompting teachers to escalate their demonstrations.
5. Financial Misinformation:
Teachers have accused bureaucrats of misleading the government by inflating the cost of addressing their demands. While officials reportedly claimed it would cost NPR 200 billion, the NTF insists the actual cost would not exceed NPR 13 billion, further fueling their frustration with the government’s reluctance to act.
The protests, which have drawn thousands of teachers from across Nepal to Kathmandu, reflect deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the education sector. The movement has garnered sympathy from various sections of society, including political parties, as it addresses genuine concerns about the future of public education.
Conflicts Arising from the Protests
The teachers’ protests have not been without conflict, as their actions have disrupted normal life and led to tensions with authorities and other stakeholders. Below are the key conflicts that have emerged:
1. Clashes with Police:
On April 27, 2025, violent clashes erupted in Kathmandu when protesting teachers attempted to enter a restricted zone, pulling down police barricades. The police responded with water cannons and baton charges, injuring nearly five dozen teachers, with a dozen requiring hospital treatment. Some teachers were reported to have hurled stones at the police, escalating the situation. These clashes highlight the growing tension between the protesters and law enforcement.
2. Disruption of Academic Activities:
The protests have severely impacted Nepal’s education system. Teachers have boycotted critical academic tasks, including evaluating Secondary Education Examination (SEE) answer sheets, publishing results, and participating in the Grade 12 national examinations. As a result, the Class 12 exams, originally scheduled for April 24, were postponed to May 4, affecting approximately 550,000 students. The ongoing strike has also halted student enrollment for the new academic year, which began on April 15, raising concerns among parents and students.
3. Economic and Social Impact:
The protests, centered in areas like Maitighar, Babar Mahal, and New Baneshwor, have disrupted transportation and local businesses. Approximately 12,000 transportation workers have been affected, with businesses reporting financial losses due to roadblocks and traffic disruptions. Commuters in Kathmandu have faced significant inconvenience, adding to public frustration.
4. Political Fallout:
The protests have had political repercussions, most notably the resignation of Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai on April 21, 2025. Bhattarai cited health reasons, but her resignation was widely attributed to her inability to address the teachers’ demands and differences with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel. Her replacement, Raghuji Panta, now faces the challenge of resolving the crisis.
5. Internal Criticism:
While the protests have largely been peaceful, some teachers have accused the government of attempting to infiltrate their movement to provoke violence. Additionally, the NTF’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the Ministry of Education, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s seven-point proposal, has prolonged the standoff, drawing criticism from some quarters for disrupting students’ education.
These conflicts underscore the complexity of the situation, as the teachers’ legitimate grievances collide with practical challenges and public inconvenience.
Potential Solutions to Resolve the Crisis
To address the teachers’ protests and restore stability to Nepal’s education sector, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Below are some potential solutions:
1. Fast-Track the School Education Bill:
The government must prioritize the passage of the School Education Act in the parliamentary session scheduled for April 25, 2025. Speaker Devraj Ghimire has expressed readiness to fast-track the bill, and Prime Minister Oli has indicated support for key demands, such as grade alignment and increased payments for Early Childhood Development facilitators. Swift legislative action could address the teachers’ core demand and de-escalate the protests.
2. Engage in Meaningful Dialogue:
Both the government and the NTF must commit to transparent and constructive dialogue. The government’s recent agreement with teachers’ representatives, facilitated by Education Minister Raghuji Panta, is a positive step. Establishing a clear timeline for addressing demands and implementing past agreements could rebuild trust.
3. Address Financial Concerns:
The government should verify the NTF’s claim that addressing their demands would cost NPR 13 billion rather than the reported NPR 200 billion. A transparent cost-benefit analysis could pave the way for a financially viable solution that meets teachers’ expectations without straining public resources.
4. Minimize Disruptions to Education:
To mitigate the impact on students, the government could involve civil servants or local units to assist with academic tasks, such as exam evaluations, while negotiations continue. Simultaneously, the NTF should consider resuming critical duties, such as student enrollment and exam marking, to demonstrate goodwill and reduce public backlash.
5. Strengthen Local Governance:
Since the Constitution of Nepal delegates school education to local and provincial governments, the School Education Act should clarify the roles and responsibilities of these entities. Empowering local governments to manage teachers and schools effectively could address administrative inefficiencies and prevent future protests.
6. Public Awareness and Support:
The government and NTF should communicate their positions clearly to the public to maintain support for the movement. Highlighting the broader benefits of the School Education Act—such as improved learning outcomes and job security—could rally public and political backing for a resolution.
7. Prevent Violent Escalation:
Both sides must exercise restraint to avoid further clashes. The government should ensure that police responses remain proportionate, while the NTF should maintain its commitment to peaceful protests, as emphasized by its leadership. Deploying volunteers to manage rallies, as done by the NTF, can help maintain order.
The Bigger Picture: Nepal’s Education System at a Crossroads
The teachers’ protests in Nepal are more than a labor dispute; they reflect deeper challenges in the country’s education system. With over 29,000 public schools and five million students affected, the stakes are high. The prolonged delay in enacting the School Education Act has exposed systemic issues, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, political inaction, and a lack of clarity in educational governance. If left unresolved, these protests could further erode public trust in the education system and hinder Nepal’s progress toward equitable and quality education.
At the same time, the protests have galvanized public and political support for educational reform. The involvement of major political parties, such as the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, and the National Human Rights Commission’s call for dialogue indicate a growing recognition of the need for change. By addressing the teachers’ demands and enacting the School Education Act, Nepal has an opportunity to strengthen its education system, empower educators, and ensure a brighter future for its students.
The teachers’ protests in Nepal, driven by the demand for the School Education Act, highlight the urgent need for educational reform. While the protests have caused significant disruptions and conflicts, they also present an opportunity for meaningful change. By fast-tracking the School Education Bill, engaging in dialogue, and addressing financial and administrative concerns, the government and the NTF can work together to resolve the crisis. The resolution of this protest could mark a turning point for Nepal’s education system, paving the way for a more equitable and effective framework that benefits teachers, students, and society as a whole.
