Nepal School Staff Suspend Protest After Pay Increase

Nepal’s school employees have suspended their planned protests after the government increased their monthly remuneration by 5,000 Nepali rupees (about US$37).

The Nepal School Employees Council welcomed the decision but urged the government to address wider concerns, including service benefits, career development, professional and social security, adequate staffing positions and permanent employment arrangements.

Under the government decision, the federal remuneration grants for early childhood development facilitators, school employees and school support staff have been increased by 5,000 rupees a month.

The monthly pay for early childhood development facilitators has risen from 12,000 to 17,000 rupees, while school support staff will receive 15,000 rupees, up from 10,000. Employees responsible for school accounting will now receive 20,000 rupees, compared with 15,000 previously.

Council President Gangaram Tiwari and General Secretary Shantinath Yogi said in a joint statement that the pay increase was welcome, while calling for the government to address the remaining demands of school employees.