PM Oli Urges Protesting Teachers to Return to Dialogue, End Strike

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on the striking teachers to return to the negotiating table, assuring that all feasible demands will be addressed. He appealed to them to end the ongoing protest and resume academic duties.

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu, Oli said, “Please come for talks immediately, settle the matter, reach an agreement, and return. That is my sincere request.”

The teachers, under the leadership of the Teachers’ Federation, have been staging a protest in Kathmandu since Chaitra 20 (April 2), demanding the enactment of the School Education Act among other issues. They launched a nationwide school strike from Chaitra 25 (April 6), severely impacting the admission campaign, SEE answer sheet evaluation, and other educational activities.

PM Oli clarified that the government is not opposed to the teachers’ concerns. “The government is not negative toward their demands. We will fulfill what is possible,” he said.

Highlighting the cost of the strike, Oli remarked, “This protest benefits no one. Students are suffering, and parents are distressed.” He questioned the federation’s reluctance to hold official dialogue: “I’ve heard they don’t want formal talks—what kind of protest is that?”

Despite multiple meetings with the Prime Minister, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai, no agreement has been reached. Today marks the 20th consecutive day of the protest.