Madhesh Pradesh, a province in Nepal, is grappling with significant educational challenges, trailing behind in the national education landscape. The neglectful stance of the local government has exacerbated the province's decline, with certain municipalities failing to disburse salaries to teachers and staff for an entire month of the fiscal year.
Unpaid and unsupported teachers are compelled to shutter schools, enduring prolonged financial hardships. The local government, seemingly indifferent to the plight of educators, remains unmoved by their struggles and hunger.
This internal mismanagement has far-reaching consequences, particularly affecting the future of countless children. Fundamental educational rights are being ignored, and educational resources are redirected elsewhere.
Municipalities like Bishnupur in Saptari, Haripurwa Municipality in Sarlahi, and Chandranagar Rural Municipality have failed to provide salaries to teachers and staff for even a single month in the fiscal year.
Since Shrawan of 2079, teachers have been awaiting their salaries, highlighting the disunity within the Nepal Teachers Association and the prevailing apathy among authorities.
The ongoing conflicts among elected leaders in local bodies have resulted in delays in municipal councils, a situation observed across various municipalities nationwide, as indicated in a statement by the Teachers' Association.
Looking ahead, the Teachers' Association urges local governments to refrain from policies that hinder the timely release of salary increments for teachers and staff.
Despite the initiation of each fiscal year, funds allocated by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and the Human Resource Development Center for 753 municipalities often fail to reach teachers on time. Many municipalities face challenges in paying teachers promptly due to quarterly or semi-annual fund allocations.
The delay in budget approval during municipal sessions further contributes to the delay in disbursing funds and providing timely salaries to teachers.
Certain municipalities in Madhesh Pradesh, not having received teacher salaries since the start of the fiscal year, continue to grapple with this issue.
Protests have erupted, with teachers in Bishnupur and Haripurwa Municipality in Saptari demonstrating in municipal schools due to delayed salaries. The education sector, including 16 community schools and five madrasas in Haripurwa, has been severely affected, impacting over 6,000 students.
The situation has reached a point where forcibly closed school gates may need to be reopened to resume classes, raising concerns among educators. Internal mismanagement within the municipal office hinders the formation of a city council.
Without a city council, the municipality cannot attain official status, casting doubt on the future of education in the city. Teachers express their concerns, questioning how long they can endure empty stomachs. A protesting teacher emphasizes, "Even hunger has its limits. It's not just about false assurances anymore; it's about getting our salaries on time."
Janak Kafle, the official spokesperson for the Education Department, points out that without a city council, teachers and employees cannot expect social security allowances. He clarifies that no city council has been formed, and no formal request for a salary increment has been submitted.
Similarly, in Bishnupur Municipality in Saptari, despite two council sessions, internal conflicts have prevented teachers and staff from receiving their salaries. With 18 municipal schools, over 200 teachers and staff continue to await their wages, as informed by Arun Kumar Shah, the city's information officer.
The chairman's suspension has given rise to two factions within the municipality. Despite holding a session, a dispute over the majority persists. One party claims to have secured a majority in the municipal council, while the other insists it has not lost the majority.
In this scenario, teachers and staff have become collateral damage in the ongoing political dispute, and their salaries remain unpaid.
