KATHMANDU, June 19: Education, Science and Technology Minister Sumana Shrestha has announced her commitment to eliminate politicization in the education sector. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, marking her 100th day in office, Shrestha emphasized that teachers will not be allowed to join any political party or their fraternal organizations as part of this agenda.

Shrestha said that while progress has been slow, it is a crucial start towards depoliticizing education in the country. She said that the support of all stakeholders is necessary to achieve this goal and that continued party involvement harms teachers, students, and the teaching profession.

The ministry requested the Election Commission for data on teachers affiliated with political parties but has not received it yet. However, Minister Shrestha claimed that 825 teachers have renounced their party memberships so far. In the past 100 days, complaints were filed against 45 teachers, with 41 asked for explanations and four acquitted.

Regarding the education bill, Minister Shrestha said it is currently under discussion in the legislative committee, and she is unsure of its release date. The government has requested its prompt introduction. Efforts are also underway to establish procedures and standards for appointing higher education officials, including forming a committee for the vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University.

Shrestha said that appointments in the education sector are being made based on merit and suitability, not political affiliation. The government has initiated studies for matching teacher posts to further improve the system.