Education Minister Sumana Shrestha Reports 825 Teachers Resign from Political Parties
Kathmandu, Nepal - In a recent statement, Education, Science, and Technology Minister Sumana Shrestha announced that following her directive, 825 teachers have resigned from political party memberships. This development came as part of the ministry’s achievements unveiled during the first 100 days of her tenure.
Minister Shrestha emphasized that political interference negatively impacts the quality of education. She reaffirmed her commitment to eliminating partisan politics from the education sector. "We will not back down from the decision to make the education sector free from political influence," she asserted. "825 teachers have relinquished their party memberships, and we received complaints against 45 teachers. We have sought clarifications from 41 of them, and four have been exonerated."
Commitment to Quality Education
Minister Shrestha stressed the necessity of positive contributions from all sectors to ensure quality education. "Since assuming leadership, we have started working with this sentiment, and the results are gradually becoming visible. Teachers are beginning to understand our objective and are relinquishing their memberships. I remain committed to implementing this decision to the end," she stated.
Initiatives and Reforms
She also highlighted several reforms and initiatives, including:
- University Appointments: Based on meritocracy.
- Educational Information Management System: Integrating student ID numbers.
- Textbook Reuse Policy: Included in the ministry’s program.
- Career Counseling Programs: Implemented.
- Curriculum Participation: Involving public participation.
- Effective Midday Meals: Ensuring quality and effectiveness.
- National Examination Board: Establishing a results publication schedule.
Investigations and Committees
Minister Shrestha disclosed the formation of two committees:
- Investigation of Encroached Land: Former Secretary Sharada Prasad Trital leads the committee to investigate encroached land at Tribhuvan University.
- Foreign Affiliation Colleges: Former Secretary Shankar Koirala heads the committee to study colleges with foreign affiliations.
Transparent and Scientific Transfers
Addressing the concerns of local authorities regarding the teacher transfer guidelines, she mentioned that the directives were formulated based on discussions with relevant stakeholders to make transfers transparent and scientific. She also noted that modifications would be made as necessary.
