KATHMANDU, Aug 15: Temporary teachers working in the public schools have announced protest programs against the newly revised Education Act.

Organizing a press meet in Kathmandu on Sunday, a committee of temporary teachers announced the protest programs from August 23. It has issued five-point demand, including the amendment of new education act, appointment of all temporary teachers as permanent, and facilities for teachers at Child Development Centers on par with the primary level school teachers.

The temporary teachers will stage a protest and obstruction at the District Education Offices on August 23. Similarly, the committee will organize a press meet in Kathmandu on August 28 and stage a rally demanding the government to assure all the temporary teachers with permanent posts as per the old education act.

The amended act allows the temporary teachers recruited before February 2011 to either compete for 40 percent reserved posts in total vacancies or choose a golden handshake, which offers incentives between Rs 100,000 to Rs 400,000 based on their service period. The incentives will be provided as per the service period of 5-10 years, 10 to 15 years and 15 years and above.

Temporary teachers under the first category will be provided with an amount equal to salary of 15 days for each service year while the second and third categories will be entitled to a salary of one month and of 45 days, respectively, for each year of the service period.

“We want amendment to the new act. If the government does not address our demands, we will be obliged to take strong steps,” said Nirendra Kuwar, president of the temporary teachers struggle committee.