Kathmandu, 25 April (HS):- Nepal has banned participation of teachers in any political activity. The teachers in government educational institutions will not be able to become members of any political party and participate in political activities. Many teachers’ organisations including those in opposition and the ruling alliance opposed the move announced by the Education Minister.

Education Minister Sumana Shreshtha sought a list of central committees of all political parties from the Election Commission, before making the announcement. Shrestha also announced that the teachers participating in political activities will face action. Following the decision all the teachers have been directed to disassociate themselves from political parties. The teachers' organisations associated with political parties opposed the move. They also started preparations to move the court challenging the Education Minister’s order.

Maoist Teachers Organisation leader Devendra Poudel called the order dictatorial. Another leader of the same party Dev Gurung also called the step wrong and can affect the ruling alliance. Gurung appealed to the Education Minister to reconsider the decision.

Members of parties in the ruling alliance have also opposed the direction.

Hindusthan Samachar/ Ajay Mardikar/ Pankaj Das/ Sunit/Manoj