A 17-day protest by the Nepal Teachers’ Association (NTA) in Kathmandu has caused serious problems for transport workers. Around 12,000 people working in public transportation have lost their income during this period.
The protest, held around Maitighar, Babar Mahal, and New Baneshwor, has created heavy traffic and long delays. Teachers from across Nepal started gathering in these areas from April 2, demanding the government pass a new Education Act.
4,000 Public Vehicles Affected in Kathmandu Valley
According to Bharat Nepal, President of the Nepal Public Transport Federation, about 4,000 vehicles have stopped operating in the Kathmandu Valley.
“Transport business owners and workers in New Baneshwor and Maitighar have suffered for 17 days,” he said. “As a result, transportation services in those areas have come to a complete stop.”
Therefore, about 12,000 transport workers, including drivers and conductors, have lost their daily earnings.
Memorandum Submitted to the Government
In response to this crisis, the Nepal Public Transport Federation submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs. They sent it through the District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu.
The memorandum demanded an immediate solution. It explained that the roadblocks had caused huge financial losses. Transport workers and business owners could not pay bank loans, taxes, and insurance bills.
In addition, the Federation warned that protests in busy city roads send a negative message to visitors and the international community.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs should act quickly,” the memorandum reads. It also highlights growing anger among business owners, workers, and commuters.
No Official Permission for Protests
Meanwhile, Ashok Kumar Bhandari, spokesperson and Assistant Chief District Officer at DAO Kathmandu, said teachers did not get official permission for their protest in these areas.
“Political parties usually get approval to protest in certain places,” Bhandari explained. “We review requests and then decide. However, it seems the teachers did not apply to protest here.”
Even so, the protests continue daily, with teachers singing, dancing, and demonstrating in busy streets.
Traffic Jams and Public Complaints
The protest has caused long traffic jams even on alternative routes. Many travelers have faced delays and long waits.
One passenger said, “The government should move the protest to a safer protest site. Keeping it here is making life difficult.”
As a result, daily life in the city has become stressful for commuters, workers, and businesses.
Teachers Stay Firm on Their Demands
Despite the trouble, teachers have stayed firm. They continue to demand a new Education Act from the government.
Teachers from all 77 districts have come to Kathmandu to join the protest. They have made it clear they will not stop until their voices are heard.
The 17-day protest by the Nepal Teachers’ Association has badly affected Kathmandu’s transport services. Around 12,000 workers have lost work, and thousands of commuters struggle daily.
Therefore, pressure is rising on the government to settle the issue soon.
