Nepal Government Proposed New Probation Rules for Teachers: What You Need to Know

The Government of Nepal has recently Proposed a significant update to the School Education Bill, which affects aspiring teachers in the country. If you've passed the teacher's examination or are planning to, you need to be aware of the new probation rules laid down by the government.

Overview of the Proposed Changes

• Probation Period: All new teachers will undergo a probation period for one year after their appointment. However, female teachers will have a 6-month trial period.

• Cancellation of Appointment: The appointing authority has the right to cancel the appointment if the performance during the probation period is unsatisfactory.

• Teachers Service Commission's Role: This body will be responsible for conducting examinations and recommending successful candidates for teaching positions.

• Rural and City Appointments: The bill outlines that the Rural Municipality or City Executive will handle teacher appointments in their jurisdictions.

• Permanent Status: If a teacher successfully completes the probation period, their appointment will be automatically confirmed, and they won't undergo another probation period.

What's Unclear in the Bill?

The bill leaves some room for interpretation, particularly regarding the criteria used to evaluate teachers during the probation period. While it sets broad guidelines about the conduct of public school teachers, specific performance metrics are not mentioned.

Conduct Rules for Public School Teachers

• Political Neutrality: Teachers are prohibited from engaging in political activities.

• No Gifts and Donations: Accepting donations, gifts, or any form of support is not allowed.

• No Entrepreneurial Activities: Teachers are restricted from starting or operating any business.

• Exclusivity of Service: Teachers cannot hold other jobs or services while employed as a public school teacher.

• Strike and Demonstrations: Public involvement in strikes or demonstrations is not permitted.

• Ethical Conduct: Polygamy, sexual abuse, torture, and holding a permanent residence permit of foreign countries are strictly disallowed.

Bottomline

The School Education Bill proposes some game-changing regulations for aspiring teachers in Nepal, aiming to standardize and elevate the teaching profession across the country. While the introduction of a probation period brings more structure to teacher appointments, the bill's lack of clarity regarding performance evaluation criteria during this period leaves room for interpretation. For anyone considering a teaching career in Nepal, understanding these new rules is vital for long-term success and contributes to enhancing the overall quality of education in the nation.