Jan 16, Kathmandu- From now on, teachers will also get a contribution-based pension. The Contribution-Based Pension Act, 2075 BS has been amended through an ordinance to include teachers. Since Chaitra 4, 2075 BS, civil servants, security agencies and other employees who have become permanent have been getting a contribution-based pension. Although it was said that teachers would also be included in it, it could not be done.

The Cabinet meeting held on Paush 26 had brought an ordinance to amend some Nepal Acts. Those ordinances were certified by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Paush 29. Through the ordinance, the teacher service was added after clause (a) of Section 9 of the Pension Fund Act, 2075. 

Section 9 mentions the employees to be included in the contributory pension system. Section 9 (a) includes the civil service. In which, civil service means Nepal Health Service and Legislature-Parliamentary Service. Similarly, Nepal Army Service, Nepal Police Service, Armed Police Force, Nepal Service and Nepal Special Service are included. Teacher service has also been added to it. Now, teachers appointed after the commencement of the Act will also receive pension on the basis of contribution.

Teachers, however, have opposed the provision. They allege that the government's decision to amend the Pension Fund Act 2075 through an ordinance and to include teachers who will be permanently appointed after 2075/12/4 in the contribution-based pension fund is contrary to the teachers' movement and the agreement made by the government.

Kul Prasad Khatiwada, general secretary of the Unified All Nepal Teachers' Organization, said that the teachers' protest in Asoj 2080 is contrary to the agreement made by the government. He said that this has deprived teachers who were appointed after 2075/12/4 from pension. He alleged that the government is trying to move forward through an ordinance instead of addressing educational and professional demands and issues by issuing the Federal Education Act.

He said that instead of getting the School Education Bill, which is under discussion in the thematic committee, passed in the winter session of the parliament, they are trying to take revenge on education and teaching staff by changing the subject. He said that teachers' professional associations and organizations should once again launch a movement against this ordinance.