Kathmandu: The government and agitating school teachers reached a significant agreement by signing a seven-point deal on Friday, effectively bringing an end to the recent mass protests staged by teachers from across the country. The protests were initiated in Kathmandu, with teachers expressing concerns over the Federal Education Bill-2080 BS recently presented in the federal parliament.

According to government Spokesperson Rekha Sharma, who also serves as the Minister for Information and Communications, the agreement was reached in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha. The government has assured the Nepal Teachers' Federation that it will facilitate the addressing of their concerns regarding the Bill, while ensuring that it aligns with the Constitution.

As a result of this development, community school teachers and employees who had traveled to the federal capital to participate in the protests will now return to their respective schools. Minister Sharma emphasized, however, that the operation of schools under local authorities is a constitutional provision that cannot be overridden by any law.

While affirming that the Bill, which has already been presented to the sovereign parliament, will not be withdrawn, Minister Sharma stated that the government is committed to making it highly acceptable and adaptable during the implementation phase.

It's worth noting that acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Purna Bahadur Khadka, had directed the government's negotiation team to work toward reaching a conclusion on Friday morning.

The Nepal Teachers' Federation had called for the protests against certain provisions in the Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 13. Their demands included retaining authority over teacher transfers, promotions, and disciplinary actions at the central level, as well as recognizing trade union rights for teachers.