Kathmandu, May 24: The talks between Netra Chapagain, the President of Socialist Student Union, the sister organization of Nepal Samajwadi Party (NSP) and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, who have been standing in Maitighar Mandala since 10 days and holding a single dharna with the demand for early childhood development education reforms, have been inconclusive today.
Education Minister Sumana Shrestha today invited the representatives for a discussion at the Ministry of Education at Singhdurbar. The union said that Education Minister Shrestha did not prepare enough for the talks. The union stated that the Ministry was not serious about the reforming of Child Development.
Secretary General of the Union, Tanka Prasad Dhamala, said, “Education Minister Shrestha called for talks. The talks ended inconclusively. The preparation of the ministry for negotiations was not enough.”
The union has suggested the ministry to call for talks only after making adequate preparations. Dhamala informed that the sit-in will continue until the ministry comes concretely in favor of reforming early childhood education.
On behalf of the union, the president and protester Chapagai, general secretary Dhamala, NSP social department head GS Gurung, department member Rekhi Gurung were also present in the talks.
Demands
1. There should be at least a three-level system that should be adjusted politically based on international laws, values and the country’s situation regarding children.
2. The qualifications and facilities of the teachers attached to the Child Development Center should be timely according to international standards.
3. At each level, support teachers and staff should be arranged for the teachers and staff who are currently providing services, and immediate child psychology, care giver, Montessori training should be arranged.
4. From the upcoming financial year, budget allocation and policies and procedures should be created for the physical structure, learning materials and suitable curriculum of the child development center.
5. Budget of 50 rupees per student should be made for the lunch program of students as Rs 15 is insufficient.
6. It should be made more effective by arranging for staff to cook food, feeding materials etc. and to solve the coordination complexity that has occurred after the formation of a three-level government, steps should be taken to clearly define the jurisdiction as well as the duties and responsibilities.
