The Ministry of Education held negotiations with the representatives of five teachers’ associations Sunday as part of an attempt to end the ongoing protests.

According to Madhav Adhikari, chairman, Nepal National Teachers Association (NNTA), two each representatives from five teacher associations, namely Nepal Teachers’ Union, Nepal Revolutionary Teachers’ Association, Nepal Teachers’ Council and Nepal Teachers’ Forum including NNTA have been participating in the meeting. Laba Prasad Devkota, secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports led the government side. The meeting that started at 11 am and was continuing till 1 pm.

With 7-point demands, teacher organizations have been holding regular strikes for the past few months. Their major demands include giving permanent status to the teachers working in public schools on temporary basis, compensation to the families of teachers victimized by the Maoists as well as the government forces and withdrawal of the decision to hand over the management of schools to communities.

Few days ago, protesting teachers had announced that they would boycott the SLC exams if the government continues to remain heedless about their concerns.

Talking to Nepalnews.com Adhikari said the movement would continue till the demands are met. “We are ready to listen to the government but our voices should also be heard,” he maintained. He, at the same time, warned that teachers would bring the agitations to new heights if the government chooses to use force to contain the movements. nepalnews.com mk Jan 18