Bidya Bhattarai Resigns Amid Nepal Teachers Protests

Kathmandu: Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai has officially submitted her resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid mounting pressure from ongoing Nepal teachers protests across the country.

According to sources close to Baluwatar, Bhattarai met with the Prime Minister earlier on Monday to hand over her resignation letter formally. The decision follows continuous street protests by teachers demanding educational reforms, including full implementation of the School Education Act.

Cabinet to Review Bhattarai’s Resignation

A Cabinet meeting is scheduled later today, where her resignation is expected to be officially approved. Officials are preparing to discuss both the ministerial vacancy and strategies to address the nationwide teachers’ unrest.

Political Challenges During Teachers’ Crisis

Minister Bhattarai had been under increasing scrutiny due to the deadlock in negotiations with the Nepal Teachers Federation. Despite engaging in multiple dialogue rounds, she failed to reach a breakthrough. Her inability to resolve the crisis placed her in a politically vulnerable position.

Background on Bidya Bhattarai

Bhattarai was appointed Minister for Education, Science, and Technology on Asar 31, 2080 (mid-July 2023). A two-time elected Member of Parliament from Kaski-2, she previously served on the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee.

She entered politics after the tragic death of her husband, former Minister of Culture and Tourism Rabindra Adhikari, in a helicopter crash near Pathibhara in 2019. She resigned from her academic position as an associate professor and successfully contested the Kaski by-election afterward.

Implications for Nepal Teachers Protests

Bhattarai’s resignation may further escalate the Nepal teachers protests, prompting the government to consider immediate reforms and dialogue initiatives to prevent prolonged disruption in educational activities.

Recommended For You