The government has invited protesting teachers for dialogue as their Kathmandu-centric demonstrations continue.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology issued a press release on Thursday, urging teachers to come to the negotiating table.

“The government remains ready to engage in meaningful dialogues and build shared perspectives with the teachers community, as always. We warmly welcome representatives to the ministry,” said Ministry spokesperson Shiv Kumar Sapkota. “We are awaiting the approval of the School Education Bill and remain committed to facilitating its endorsement.”

Teachers and employees from government schools across the country began their protest in Kathmandu on Wednesday, demanding the endorsement of the School Education Bill. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

However, with the Parliament session prorogued from Tuesday midnight, endorsement of the bill is unlikely soon.

While the constitution designates school education as the responsibility of local governments, local authorities seek to bring school teachers under their jurisdiction. However, teachers oppose this move, fearing political bias in treatment by local governments based on their political leanings.

On several occasions, the federal government has agreed to keep teachers under its jurisdiction.

The enactment of the Act is crucial to implement the Constitution of Nepal, which allows the delegation of most education sector management responsibilities to local and provincial levels. Despite nearly a decade since the promulgation of the constitution, the country has yet to pass the Act.