The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology said that 825 teachers across the country have voluntarily resigned from their memberships in political parties.

Education Minister Sumana Shrestha said so during a press conference on Tuesday, marking her 100th day in office.

Minister Shrestha reiterated her commitment to discourage teachers from participating in politics. She emphasised that efforts to detach teachers from political affiliations would be pursued without delay.

Shortly after taking charge of the ministry, Shrestha started a process of taking action against the teachers and professors involved in party politics. The ministry has sought information on the teachers and professors affiliated to the parties from the Election Commission and the respective district education units.

According to the Ministry of Education, 20 teachers associated with political parties resigned as teachers.

The initiative was taken as per the Political Parties Act, 2017 which prohibits the teachers, professors and other government employees from engaging in politics.

Similarly, the Patan High Court on October 5, 2021 had ruled that school teachers cannot engage in active politics. Responding to a writ petition, the court said those drawing salaries and benefits from the state coffers should not be involved in partisan politics.

“It is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Education to disengage teachers from political parties,” said Minister Shrestha. “It requires the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.”

At the press meet, she mentioned plans to provide identity cards to students, develop a book recycling system, and initiate career counselling programmes.

According to the Ministry of Education, the reports of the Medical Education Investigation Commission and the High-Level National Education Commission have been released.

Minister Shrestha said the recommendations in the report would be implemented gradually.

She said the appointments of vice-chancellors for universities and officials for bodies under the ministry were conducted based on established criteria and would continue accordingly.