Announcement from the Ministry of Education on October 1, 2077
Ministry of Education Issues Notice for Safe Teacher Arrival Amid COVID-19
The Nepal government's Ministry of Education has issued a notice on Ashoj 16, 2077 (early October 2020), outlining specific arrangements for teachers to attend work safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The notice, issued by a branch within the Ministry of Education's Educational Planning and Development Division, is in response to the government's decision to ensure continuity of student learning despite the pandemic. It was also supported by the Teacher Management Coordination Branch, the Center for Education and Human Resource Development, and the Education Development and Coordination Unit.
According to the notice, schools are required to adhere strictly to health safety protocols, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and using hand sanitizers. Flexible working schedules or shifts are to be arranged to reduce the number of teachers present at one time. Schools are also asked to facilitate transportation or travel arrangements for teachers where needed, especially in areas under lockdown or with movement restrictions.
To ensure the safety of teachers, schools are requested to provide necessary health and safety supplies. Schools are also encouraged to monitor and report on staff attendance and health status regularly to minimise the risk of infection spread.
The notice states that if no teacher has reached the school by the time of the notice, arrangements must be made for them to arrive within 3 days from the date of issuance. The measures aim to allow teachers to carry out their duties while maintaining public health safety during the COVID-19 crisis.
The notice is based on the contingency action plan on school education issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Buda No. 4 of 2077). This plan outlines the steps to be taken to ensure the continued learning of students in the face of the pandemic.
The Ministry of Education's notice is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of teachers and students during these challenging times, allowing for the continuation of education in Nepal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Teacher Management Coordination Branch, in association with the Center for Education and Human Resource Development and the Education Development and Coordination Unit, supported the notice issued by the Educational Planning and Development Division of the Ministry of Education.
- To adhere to health and safety guidelines, schools are requested to provide necessary supplies and monitor teacher attendance and health status regularly, as outlined in the notice from the Ministry of Education's Educational Planning and Development Division.
