National
MoE to survey temporary teachers’ choice
With the endorsement of the ninth amendment to the Education Act-1972, the Ministry of Education is preparing for a survey of temporary teachers who want to take part in an internal competition for permanent posting or seek voluntary retirement.With the endorsement of the ninth amendment to the Education Act-1972, the Ministry of Education is preparing for a survey of temporary teachers who want to take part in an internal competition for permanent posting or seek voluntary retirement.
A survey conducted a few months ago had shown that as many as 15,611 teachers wanted to attend the test. With the provision in the amendment of those qualifying for retirement packages even after failing the test, the number of teachers willing to try their luck is likely to increase. The ninth amendment endorsed by Parliament on Tuesday allows teachers to go for a golden handshake even if they fail the test conducted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The eighth amendment gave the temporary teachers two options— face the test for permanent posting or opt for the golden handshake. Teachers not selected for permanent appointment would get golden handshake under three categories—those serving for 5 to 10 years, 10 to 15 years and those above 15 years.
According to Saraswati Pokhrel, deputy spokesperson for the ministry, the teachers will be given a week’s time to make their choice after the President authenticates the Act. The head of state has the authority to ask the House to review the bill but Parliament is not obliged to follow it.
The ninth amendment has cleared the deck for announcing internal vacancies for temporary teachers who were drafted before August 6, 2004. These teachers will now be eligible for permanent status if they secure 40 marks, the minimum pass score. The TSC will reserve 75 percent permanent posts for temporary teachers recruited between August 6, 2004 and July 29, 2016. The rest will be hired through open competition.
Education experts and lawmakers even from the ruling parties have objected to the new provision, arguing that the decision rejects some 700,000 graduates licensed to teach.