Schools across the country resumed classes on Monday after agitating teachers withdrew their indefinite strike for five days. The teachers unions put off their strike after Education Minister Dina Nath Sharma signed a four-point deal and assured them of addressing their demands as soon as possible.

Their decision to shut down schools at a crucial time of the academic session had drawn severe criticism from various quarters.

Speaker Subas Nembang and educational committee of various political parties had ‘directed’ the agitating teachers to withdraw the protest and resolve problems through dialogue.

The teachers have threatened to shut down schools and halt examinations including SLC if their demands were not addressed within five days.

Their demands include permanent status for teachers serving on a temporary basis, salary of private school teachers on a par with permanent ones and reinstatement or compensation to teachers affected by the conflict, among others.

The government agreed to offer medical aid to teachers injured during different phases of their agitation. It also agreed to provide a copy of the proposed Education Act amendment to chief whips of all political parties and their various educational committees.

source: The Kathmandu Post, 12 March 2012