Thousands of teachers protest in Nepal against education bill, shutting schools across the country

Thousands of teachers in Nepal protested on September 23, 2023, against a proposed education bill that they say would lower their status and scrap many temporary teacher positions. The protests led to the closure of schools across the country, affecting millions of students. The teachers marched through the streets of Kathmandu, the capital, chanting slogans and carrying placards that read "No to the education bill" and "We want our rights." They also blocked traffic and disrupted government services. The proposed education bill would shift government-run schools to local control and give local governments more power to hire and fire teachers. Teachers groups say that this would lower their status and make it easier for local governments to fire them, especially those with temporary contracts.

The government has defended the bill, saying that it would improve the quality of education in Nepal. However, teachers groups have rejected this argument, saying that the bill would only lead to more privatization of education and would hurt the poorest students. The protests are likely to continue until the government makes changes to the bill. The teachers groups have threatened to escalate their protests if the government does not listen to their demands. The protests in Nepal are a reminder of the importance of teachers and the need to protect their rights. Teachers play a vital role in society, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.